FORT ANN -- School officials (click here) aren’t doing enough to stop a climate of pervasive bullying and racism, according to frustrated parents, who say the negativity has persisted for decades.
Parents described instances of students taunting and assaulting other students and insulting them with racial slurs. A video posted to YouTube showed several young teenage boys using the N-word and making vulgar and racist sexual comments.
“The video simply reflects the racism that children of color can experience at any time at Fort Ann Central School,” said Tiana Jones, who is African-American and a parent of a child in the local school, at Tuesday’s school board meeting.
Jones added the situation hasn’t changed since when she was in school in Fort Ann, when other students threw rocks at her back and called her the N-word.
“My son has dealt with racism and bullying in the school for many years here,” she said.
Karen Jones, Tiana’s mother, said her grandson, who is a special needs student, would be harassed again this year unless he has an aide accompanying him....
