Posted on 05/11/2006 8:28:59 PM PDT by SmithL
CASTRO VALLEY - Despite a daylong mediation session today, Castro Valley High School students waving American flags amidst racial tension between Latino and white students vow to return to campus Friday.
Students on both sides today said the situation will escalate, though the day was far more peaceful than Wednesday, when about 200 students -- split between those carrying American and mainly Mexican flags--confronted each other.
"We think it's going to keep going," junior Christina Cortez said while spending lunch monitoring the front of school. Among those with her was an eighth grade brother who came to her school with a Mexican flag in hand, ready to counter students demonstrating with the American flag.
Javier Sanchez, a senior who brought a Mexican flag to school, said the experience -- which has included racial slurs aimed at Latinos -- has given him a newfound negative view of the stars and stripes.
"Now the American flag is racism more than anything else," he said.
While it seemed there were no demonstrations to counter today, the school did have a noticeable gathering early in the morning. By 7 a.m., several pickup trucks and other vehicles with American flags began arriving at a school parking lot.
Jessica Bisio, a senior, had a shirt with the words "Keep America Free" handwritten on the back. She said while many of the students with American flags are from rural areas, they're not ignorant, as some have implied.
"So we're just (seen as) the hicks and rednecks," she said.
Junior Ashley Morrison was upset some view these flag-wielders as "racist white kids." She said she attended the beginning of today's mediation, but left soon afterwards, believing there is a double standard that bans students from carrying U.S. flags while allowing others. She said those that stayed relayed to her that the rest focused on race.
"That's not even the point," said Morrison, who arrived at school this morning with "America the Beautiful" playing on her truck's stereo. She said the displays are about supporting their country, and the right to express that support.
"Most of us don't care about getting in trouble," she said. "People died for this country."
Morrison said some of the U.S. flag carriers had returned to the parking lot during lunch hour, and had a verbal confrontation with a couple of students. She will "definitely" be back Friday with her flag.
While Morrison said today's mediation was not a success, Principal Debbie Coco thought otherwise.
"It turned out to be really productive," she said. About 40 students, about half from each side, attended. Coco said the two sides had good discussions on various issues, including free speech and the right to demonstrate. A similar discussion is scheduled for Friday.
Additionally, she said, teachers have been given talking points for class discussions, which are taking place in a number of classrooms.
School officials have said tensions have risen since the May 1 "Day Without Immigrants" observances. As the school held its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration May 5, a group of students brought American flags. Both sides said they have endured racial slurs from the other.
About 56 percent of the 2,800-student school is white, while about 18 percent is Latino.
School officials said that on Monday, they asked students on both sides to stop bringing flags -- which only served to heighten the demonstrations. The school is now allowing students to have the displays, but limits them to lunch periods or other non-class times.
Coco said if students demonstrate that's fine, as long as its respectful and not disruptive.
When are you white racist, sexist, homophobic crackers going to stop using racial slurs and prejudging us?
Troll be gone!
If Mexico is so great, why are they here? Why aren't they in glorious Old Mexico? And why don't they just stay there?
Javier Sanchez, a senior who brought a Mexican flag to school, said the experience -- which has included racial slurs aimed at Latinos -- has given him a newfound negative view of the stars and stripes.
"Now the American flag is racism more than anything else," he said
Please feel free to leave any time you want. No one is stopping you.
Actually, i think you are misreading tzimisce's post.
It is actually cleverly sarcastic. Or is it ironic?
Seems my sarcasm is lost on you.
I wonder: do you really get it?
No one ever gets my jokes and sarcasm. *sighs*
The NOOB in post #3 got it. I had to read it twice. :o)
Make that post #6 in reference to post #3.
Don't worry, everyone else got it.
there's hope for the younger generation yet. oo-rah.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.