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A student at St. Michael High School in Baton Rouge wrote a racially offensive report about Black History Month. The student whose name we will exclude is a white female teenage student at the catholic school.

The report began circulating around social media over the weekend. It is unclear how it became public at this stage. The student said in the report, “In my opinion I am very unpleased about how I have to write a topic about black people. I am not fully racist but I hate almost every black person. They think they run everything but in reality are an embarrassment to this country. Just I strongly feel like this because I had a bad experience with black people. Maybe if they acted right than I would look at the differently but I do not and I never will.”

She went on to say, “Think about it though… none of the apostles were different ethnic. They were all white. There was no black nor Hispanic mentioned really back when Jesus time was. All the stories we hear in the bible are about like mainly white people. So since God knows everything that is going to happen than he would have done something about that. Than later than we start to hear about blacks. And how they did not have freedom like whites did. So than for example Martin Luther King stood up in front of millions to present a speech about how “we are all equal”. As much as I want to believe and support that statement about everybody is equal… well are not.”

The student concluded the report by saying, “Sad to say this but maybe things would be better they would have stayed slaves… I should not have to be scared for my life when I see them in my sight.”

St. Micheal’s principal sent out a letter on Sunday afternoon that read:

“Dear Friends of St. Michael High School,

Working with students is always a challenge. As a school community, we want our students to explore ideas and express feelings as part of their formation. While doing so, we sometimes find some of those ideas and feelings are not supported by our school or our Church. Our Catholic Church teaches us that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. We are called to embrace and appreciate both the uniqueness of all persons and their equal standing before God. This is the faith journey that we take with our students.

In the past, dialogue remained in the classroom where ideas were heard, and students had an opportunity to grow in their thinking and reasoning. Unfortunately, there is a side to technology and the internet that short circuits this process and inhibits those discussions and that growth.

What is said or written by individual students may be contrary to the teachings of the Church and the mission of our school, as is the case in the recent message posted on the internet. We apologize to anyone who was offended by this writing. The ideas and writings of this student, and their subsequent posting on the web, were not within the school’s control. We look at this incident as a teachable moment and as an opportunity for education and growth for all involved, particularly through reflection on the wisdom of our Catholic faith.

The Mission Statement of St. Michael the Archangel High calls us to be committed disciples of Christ. Please be assured that we will continue to work with all of our students to seek the truth, live the faith, and serve like Christ.

Sincerely, Ellen B. Lee, Principal

St. Michael the Archangel High School”

The alarming part is that this young teenager had to be taught this type of hatred some where. The school has apologized and said that this is a teachable moment. My question is, are we teaching students how to conceal their thoughts of racism and not embarrass their families and schools? Or will this be an opportunity for a broader dialogue on race in first the school and the Catholic Church?

The hate speech in her writing is troubling, but a true reality in America. We continue to believe that we are on the road to ending racism, but when a teenager believes that blacks would be better as slaves and will soon carry that ideology into the workforce one must pause. We must begin to ask ourselves are we having the conversations necessary to truly end racial discrimination? Or are we fooling ourselves?

The truth is there has been progress, but not nearly enough. The media, the manner in which we do business as a city and state, and even how we discuss issues of race must improve and be honest in order for real change to occur. I hope this young lady is truly taught history from a broader perspective than she has been. Her words are exactly why we need Black History taught in our classes, not just in February but all year long. Black history, is American history. America was built on the backs of slaves, and it is high time we recognize the impact of slavery is not fully diminished because the same racism that enslaved blacks is still taught other generations and built into policies every day.