First of all, I want to commend the students who are raising their voices and getting active about solutions, especially the joint MEChA and Black Student Union five-point plan. The parents and community activists need to be heard, supported and joined in their organizational efforts.
I am concerned primarily with some racist attitudes of letter writers towards black and Latino youth, the reactionary and ignorant impulse on behalf of some is to “get rid” of troublemakers (Mayor Hahn had the same response at a Jefferson High meeting). This view is short-sighted, criminalizes youth and relies on police officers to solve complex and deep-rooted social problems.
As a native and former Samohi English teacher, I am familiar with racial tension and have worked and continue to work with youth, volunteering at the Pico Youth & Family Center. The article slanderizing Oscar de la Torre’s visit to Samohi over relied on Joaquin Vega’s police report (SMDP, April 23, page 1). The police it seems “have nothing better to do” than attack people that are directly involved with youth of color in a positive/constructive way. To treat a Chicano
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 28, 2005. Read the original PDF.