We urge the Fargo Public Schools District to take a stronger stance against racism for a more inclusive and safe environment for the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. 

Disciplinary actions affect students of color disproportionately

According to an Inforum investigation from September 26: 

“Fargo had 9.9 suspensions per 100 students of color in the 2019-2020 school year, while there were 4 suspensions per 100 white students.” That’s more more than two times the rate of suspensions. “

Students are less likely to complete high school, more than twice as likely to be arrested while on forced leave from school, and more likely to be in contact with the juvenile justice system during the year that follows the leave,” according to Thought Co., a premier reference website.

They go on to explain that “other research shows that students who do not complete high school are more likely to be incarcerated.” 

Schools is a place of learning, not a prison. By not taking action schools will ruin lives instead of bettering it.

Still don’t believe there’s racism in FM schools? Look at the Instagram page “racisminndschools.” There are over 300 posts about experiences of racism that transpired in ND schools, whether the students have seen it happen or experienced it first-hand.

We have a problem.

Solutions

Our school board must create a safer and more inclusive school environment. Fargo Moorhead Student Activists, a student lead group who works specifically with demands of ND and Moorhead students, offers some solutions we agree with:

The removal of police officers and with a replacement of a trained unarmed professional.

A more diverse faculty. 

Anti-racist education, such as more diverse literature will be implemented in history classes and the impacts of racism will be fully taught. 

Teachers will receive training in implicit bias and microaggression. 

Hate Speech Punishment. Harassment based on race, gender, religion, sexuality will be meet with a full school investigation and appropriate punishment. 

Only when we implement these demands, schools can truly become a safe place of learning.