Student organizations attempt to strengthen community after campus violence
Lillian KalishStaff WriterStudent organizations the African American Mentor Society and La Sociedad have begun community building activities in the wake of recent race-related violence on campus. According to H-House Student Outreach Specialist Kimberley Nao, the two groups are attempting to create long term and short term solutions to the recent violence and to create racial harmony.According to Nao, there seemed to be some confusion amongst the students and faculty as to whether or not the violence was instigated because of racial prejudices, or if it stemmed from personal issues between students.“I think the cause of this recent violence is a lack of community. School should be like a home, a safe place, and a united community. Students spend most of their days at school and when they become frustrated or upset, they express their anger at school. That’s what we need to change,” Nao said.Throughout the rest of the year, the African American Mentor Society and La Sociedad plan on strengthening the community, especially at the Black Forum on February 24. The two groups also proposed the reinstatement of the Racial Harmony retreat to continue to break down racial stereotypes and ease tension in the community. The district promised to fund it.Nao led a meeting regarding the violence between the two groups and other Samo staff and faculty. According to Nao, it opened up a dialogue between students about their perceptions of race, and the causes of the recent violence. In addition, the meeting also set an example for all students about how misunderstandings can be discussed and resolved through non-violent methods.On Jan. 17, Samo Principal Laurel Fretz held a parent meeting after school hours regarding the recent violence and helped answer questions about the situation.According to Nao, Admin also want to reach out to Samo students.“The administration actually wants to hear what students have to say,” Nao said. “They do have a voice and they need to know that. We had Mrs. Fretz and various house principals ready to hear students’ opinions. They need to know what students think so they can help fix the situation.”According to sophomore Javier Lopez, the actual violence is unimportant. What matters is how the school staff and different organizations choose to deal with it.According to the administration, they want students to know that this violence will no longer be tolerated.“We have been talking to anyone involved and are laying down the law,” Boone said. “If you are making our campus unsafe, you will not be a student here.”