Most of us have by now seen the racists videos posted on social media outlets by students at Albert Leonard Middle School in New Rochelle. We know these incidents are not new and have gone on with no real consequence. Without consequence, there will be no change.

It's time to hold students and their parents accountable for these racist acts. These acts hurt not only students of color but ALL children. These acts put our schools in jeopardy of failing. 

Here is what we are asking for:

1. Follow the code of conduct. These students are in violation of the following code:

ENGAGE IN CONDUCT THAT ENDANGERS THE SAFETY, PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH OR WELFARE OF OTHERS.

Under this code is the following violation:

Making statements about any individual or identifiable group of individuals which have the foresee-able to effect exposing such persons or group of persons to shame, humiliation, persecution or ostracism; this includes but is not limited to "hate speech". 

As a result of the above violation and as written in the code of conduct these students must be held accountable in the following way(s):

SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL

According to the code of conduct:

Suspension from school is a significant penalty, which may be imposed upon students who are insubordinate, disorderly, violent or disruptive, or whose conduct otherwise endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others.

In addition to school suspension we would like the following measures to be implemented:

1. Teacher attendance at diversity and inclusion sit ins.

2. The creation of "safe places" for children to raise concerns regarding racist behaviors. 

3. Implicit bias training selected in concert with local community organizations doing work with communities of color. 

4. Engagement in extra curricular activities suspended until pt. 3 above is completed along with a public apology letter signed anonymously by each student. 

We, the signers of this petition feel these issues have gone on far too long. We are demanding change for the betterment of all of our schools. The time for that change is NOW.