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Jed Boal ReportingA group of concerned citizens gathered in Provo tonight to look for new solutions to old problems. A recent rash of racial slurs in Utah County Schools brought the issue to a head.
Parents of minority students in Utah County schools say their kids are often blistered by racial slurs. This winter, there were several incidents at basketball games and they say little was done. Tonight they met with state and local leaders to take the first step towards a solution.
Reports of loaded racial slurs surfaced in several junior high and high school basketball games in Utah County this winter. African-American, bi-racial and Hispanic students were targeted by opposing players, fans, and even coaches.
Tamu Smith's daughter was stung by a racial epithet.
Tamu Smith, Parent: "So much of this is so inappropriate and our kids are not being protected. Many of the people that are over them are supposed to teach them, and not racial slurs, not teach them hate."
Smith called the meeting and invited Michael Styles, the Director of the Utah Office of Black Affairs. He says coaches, teachers and parents need to set examples for all youth to follow.
Michael Styles, Utah Office of Black Affairs: "We have to call people on the carpet. We have to tell our educators, ‘This is how we want our children to be taught.'"
Several white parents at the meeting adopted transracially. They say it's tough for them to stomach regular racist taunting of their kids.
While Alpine and Nebo Districts were not represented, Provo says it will take the lead in addressing complaints and suspending and expelling students if necessary.
Greg Hudnall, Provo School District: "What we need is, as a community, to put our arms around this together and say, we're not gonna tolerate this."
The district student services director says he'll talk to coaches, teachers and administrators about these issues, and said the district will hold similar meetings monthly. Parents expect schools to take the concerns seriously and implement diversity awareness education.
Tamu Smith: "We trust the school district, we trust the Utah Athletic Association with our children. But when they get into situations where they need to be protected, they are not being protected."
One African-American leader said these are emotionally-charged issues that will meet with resistance. We all must tackle these issues, he suggested, with love, not anger.
