SYHS Vice Principal Peter Haws has an eight plus year history of targeting and profiling non-white students and imposing harsh punishments, suspensions and expulsions on students of color and those with IEPs (Individual Education Plans). 

His discriminatory and unethical behavior has finally been exposed in the recent 2/22/23 article in The Santa Barbara Independent, detailing Haws’ gross mishandling and escalation of an incident involving a Latino student with an IEP who was suspected of vaping.

The student was brutally traumatized, after excessive force was implemented, and he was twice sedated, while handcuffed. He was rushed to the hospital  and awoke with his father by his side. The student now waits for the decision regarding his expulsion, proposed by Haws, and the future of his education at SYHS. 

After the story appeared this week, SYHS alumni, along with current students, have found the courage to speak out against Haws and his history of harassment. Please join us in calling for an end to this incessant racial discrimination and help us create a safe learning environment - something that is not possible as long as Haws remains at the school.