Parent alleges son was racially profiled after in-school marijuana allegation at Orchard View

A Muskegon parent told the Orchard View Schools board on June 29 that her son was disciplined after a school staff member reported a marijuana incident and that the family believes the disciplinary response amounted to racial profiling.

"Mr. Wilkerson said he admitted to having marijuana," said public commenter Tierra Hunter of 686 Catherine Avenue, recounting what school staff told her. Hunter said her son had been accepted under the schools-of-choice program and had no prior behavior issues until about 15 days before the end of the school year. Hunter said staff confiscated a jacket that smelled of marijuana, and that her son later said he "admitted to it because he was scared." Hunter added, "They feel like he’s being racially profiled."

According to Hunter’s account, the student was placed on a contract, was removed from school at one point, temporarily had no Chromebook and later had it returned so he could complete exams; Hunter also said the student is active in football and basketball. The minutes state that "Mr. Wilkerson" was involved in the school-side account; the meeting agenda identifies Phil Wilkerson as listed for Orchard View High School, though the public comment presented the incident as Hunter’s recollection of conversations with school staff rather than as a board action.

No formal board action or disciplinary hearing outcome is recorded in the meeting minutes. Superintendent Tom Hamilton later "brought the Board up to speed a bit on tonight’s public comment," according to the record, but no directive or disciplinary appeal process is noted in the minutes. The board did not take a formal vote related to the disciplinary complaint during the session.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 13, and the filing deadline to run for School Board is July 21.