To Whom It May Concern:

This is an open letter and petition for De La Salle Institute (located on 3434 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616) to address and subsequently take action on the racial matter at hand. On Saturday (May 30th) a video was posted on social media of two students from De La Salle Institute. The video illustrated the two partaking in JUUL Vaping as well as saying racial slurs. This video quickly spread to current students, faculty, family, friends and alum of De La Salle. This video is evidence of the current racial disparities within the De La Salle community. The video was submitted to several members of the administration at De La Salle, including but not limited to Father Paul Novak, Immediate past principal Diane Brown, and current principal Thomas J. Schergen. In response to the video Father Paul released a blanket statement on behalf of the school on Saturday evening stating they “have been made aware of the situation” and are “handling the situation.” THIS POST WAS THEN REMOVED ON ALL PLATFORMS AS OF SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH NO FOLLOW UP RESPONSE! This address has been a statement that has been made time and time again from administration and front office staff with no actual consequence. As a catholic high school who states in their mission to serve “young people from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds are given the opportunity to fully develop their abilities so they may be active, contributing members of our complex changing society.” THIS is unacceptable!

Considering today’s climate of racial bias and unrest, police brutality, and institutional racism, the offensive video by two De La Salle students cannot be swept under the rug!!!!.   What does this say about De La Salle it you allow situations like this to go unchecked.  It is disheartening that De La Salle has been open for 130 years and countless stories are circulating about a systemic reputation of racial bias at the school.

De La Salle has taken stances on major issues such as drug abuse amongst teens, LGBTQIA+ awareness, and sexual assault.   However, the school has REMAINED SILENT on issues of racial disparities.

We are asking De La Salle to take a stance! Address the issues that affect nearly 50 percent of the student population. The two students in the video must be disciplined according to your written school policy handbook. As you continue to allow racial offenses to be swept under the rug, your credibility of being a diverse institution will continue to be called into question. We demand action!

This petition is a call for action. A demand for change. A plea on behalf of family, friends, current students, future meteors, and alumni of De La Salle. PLEASE TAKE A STANCE!