Central Catholic High School, is a Catholic prep school in southeast Portland, OR. On the morning of April 24, students and staff walked out of school together in protest. This happened because of a racist incident during a pregame cheer before one of their baseball games.
School spokesperson Jeanie-Marie Price, announced that a racial slur was said during a pre-game chant by a Varsity baseball player. The student-leaders claimed the “N-Word” was used, but that it had been a part of the school’s traditional chant for years. Students are also claiming that coaches don’t take action when athletes have been pressured into participating in this chant.
CCHS responded by forfeiting the upcoming games on April 16 and 17. This was followed by a public apology for the situation.
Students didn’t go to the CCHS campus for two days following the incident, and instead completed schoolwork online. The school announced the coaches are getting new expectations, alongside conducting a comprehensive review by culturally responsive partners. This comprehensive review analyses the schools data that makes sure that each student is being treated fairly and to dismantle racism.
Students weren’t satisfied with the school and its response to the situation. Many felt that the students involved weren’t receiving the punishments they deserved. “It seems like, in situations like this, the school is actually protecting those who are committing these offenses,” said CCHS senior Chris Daugherty.
Central Catholic’s Black Student Union came together to organize the walkout. Students left the CCHS campus together to protest against racism and to stand up for their Black peers.
Some students, according to FOX news, continue to be disappointed with the aftermath, and are looking to the Archdiocese of Portland, a religious organization in Portland. This organization is the head of Catholic schools and is in direct communication with CCHS. They made it clear that racism is not welcome in the Catholic church and are helping CCHS with the aftermaths.
Students are trying to make changes to student handbooks, along with educating coaches about racism and hazing. They are looking to remove varsity baseball players from the team, having junior varsity players move up. They want to enforce in sports and academics that racism is not tolerated.
CCHS has made it clear that racism and hazing is not tolerated in their school/community. They are working on enforcing their guidelines with coaches and athletes. They hope to improve their school’s environment, ensuring that everyone feels safe and welcome.
