STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Accountability Demands and Request for Reparation

Wausau, WI - The following statement is in regards to the recent Wausau East High School incident where Band Teacher Robert Perkins repeatedly used inappropriate and offensive language to include racial slurs, sexist comments, and homophobic statements. We denounce the harmful speech, and demand accountability, justice, and reparation. The destructive and hostile environment that was created as a result of the choices that Robert Perkins made, not only caused “unease” within students, but has caused outrage on a local and national level.

Superintendent Keith Hilts sent his determination following Human Resources Director Tabitha Gundrum’s investigation which appallingly concluded that Robert Perkins' language “does not rise to a level of discrimination or harassment,'' even with multiple logged offenses and witnesses coming forward. Furthermore, the determination itself did not address the gross misconduct of Robert Perkins, and did not mention reparation for those he harmed. 

Superintendent Keith Hilts’ most recent statement insinuates that instead of holding Robert Perkins accountable for his actions, he would rather turn this incredibly traumatic experience into an example of disingenuous togetherness. The statement implies that further action against Robert Perkins would equal more divisiveness which to us, is incredibly offensive and harmful. It dismisses victims from marginalized communities, and prioritizes the one who caused the harm; the one whose identities are from socially privileged communities. 

As our voices grow and become more amplified, we realize that we have no choice but to request specific demands of the Wausau School District Board, Superintendent, and Administration. After an organizational meeting of influential leaders in the community and beyond, we have concluded that our demands must be met as part of the reparation and justice we seek.

They are as follows:

• We demand a retraction of the superintendent’s determination.
• We ask for the termination of Robert Perkins' employment with the Wausau School District.
• The Vongphakdy family and the community as a whole deserve a public apology that acknowledges and empathizes with the historical trauma and systemic racism that has been perpetuated through this experience.
• We expect that a Wausau School District Task Force will be formed that will commit to creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive policies that uphold and reinforce the District’s statement against the discrimination of protected classes.
• Mental health counseling services and safe spaces must be provided for students who may have been impacted by this situation for atonement.
• Culturally competent education and training must be provided for all staff from an approved and qualified outside consultant of our recommendation.
• The Wausau School District must establish an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion district administration leadership position that will address any future incidents, especially in cases that would require a thorough, unbiased, and fair investigation involving those from protected classes. The make up of the selection committee would be representative of members of its student body and community.
• The Wausau School District to endorse Wisconsin Legislation Senate Bill 240: directing school boards to provide instruction on Hmong Americans and Asian Americans.  

Until these demands are agreed and enacted, we will not stop pursuing justice and will not stop growing in our organized unity.

In Solidarity,

Sheng Elizabeth Lor, Wausau East High School Alum, Founder of The Social X Change Project, and Community Activist

Mary Thao, Former Wausau School Board Member 

Boly Vang, Community Leader and Wausau Business Owner

Jennifer Yang, Community/Business Leader 

Maysee Herr, Wausau School District Student Alum, Co-Founder of Camp Phoojywg-Friend, Former K-21 Educator, and WI NonProfit Leader

Ka Youa Xiong, Wausau West High School Alum, Community Member

Yee Leng Xiong, Community Leader

Mang Xiong, Community Leader

 

Click here for details surrounding the complaint and responses​

Click here for news story featured by the Wausau Daily Herald​

Click here to help the family with their legal fees