SHARE

Brewster Students' Racist Video Sparks Town Hall Meeting

BREWSTER, N.Y. -- The Brewster community came together last week in the wake of a racist video released by students.

Brewster recently held a town hall following a racist video.

Photo Credit: Brewster Central Schools

The Brewster Central School District held a town hall meeting featuring school officials, elected officials, and clergy members to start a dialogue and answer questions in the wake of the video, which was released in July. It was attended by about 200 people.

The seven-second video features students using racial slurs and profanity. It was shared by Baller Alert and sent anonymously by a student at Brewster, according to Baller Alert. The students in the video graduated this year, according to the district.

"During the past 18 years, we've tried to build our school and our programs to help ensure students have the best life possible," Board President Stephen Jambor said. "Recently, we've hit a couple of speed bumps."

Jambor said after the video went viral, the district received phone calls from people in Oklahoma and South Carolina, criticizing them for being a racist community.

"No one is born hating someone else because of their skin color, religion, creed or ethnicity," Jambor said. "Racism is learned. It's easier to learn to get along than it is to hate. The former is more in our constitution as human beings."

BOCES Superintendent James Ryan, who moderated the discussion, said Brewster is a "beyond good" school district.

"It's headed toward great," Ryan said.

Superintendent Valerie Henning said more town hall meetings will be held to discuss the video. A task force has also been formed and is holding meetings.

To the video, click here

to follow Daily Voice East Dutchess and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE