Catholic school students walk out to protest ‘mistreatment’ of students based on race

Students carried posters declaring “You can’t ignore this,” “Hate has no place,” “No justice no peace,” and “How many weren’t filmed?”

Instagram/photo by Taylor Selsback

High school students at private Catholic school Cretin-Derham Hall walked out of their classrooms on Thursday to “fight the mistreatment” of students of color at their school.

According to WCCO, more than 100 students walked out to protest their administration’s treatment of students based on race.

“I know that classes to come will have to endure that same pain,” student Louis Lynch said, as reported by WCCO.

The group said the march was organized after some students were disciplined for walking out on April 19 during a statewide rally put together by Minnesota Teen Activists.

CDH officials objected to this statement, saying no one was penalized for participating in the walkout, but rather for using profane language and promoting anti-police views. CDH respects law enforcement and supports the students’ demands for justice, WCCO reported.

Photos and videos from an activist group at the school show students marching, yelling through megaphones, and chanting during their walk to the Capitol building.

Students can be seen in these photos wearing shirts that say “Abolish the Police,” “I’m rooting for everybody black,” and “Black Lives Matter.”

They carried posters declaring “You can’t ignore this,” “Hate has no place,” “No justice no peace,” and “How many weren’t filmed?”

One poster says, “Oops! CDH, your racism is showing.”

Left: Screenshot of poster from cdhactivists on Instagram. Right: Poster from walk out. Photo by Taylor Selby, posted by cdhactivists.

Students held a meeting with CDH President Frank Miley on Friday, according to cdhacvtivist on Instagram. The Instagram post says that “changes should be made” and the account will provide updates to followers.

Earlier this month, students walked out of their classes across the state to protest racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic racism. Over 50 schools participated, including some preschool children in St. Paul.

 

Rose Williams

Rose Williams is an assistant editor for Alpha News.