Students from Denison High School walked out of class at 10am Tuesday in protest of a recent incident at the school involving teacher Crystal Holt’s use of the “n” word in a class.
More than 75 students wearing red and black gathered around the Wall of Pride monument in front of the school holding up posters and signs and chanting.
OC………want justice (4X) :06
Holt, who has taught since 1996, says her use of the word was not a racial slur as it was not directed at an individual, but was being used to teach and help people understand the seriousness of racism in a capital punishment case.
Denison High School Senior Joel Bonilla spoke during the protest as he held up a signed petition:
OC………this belief” ;13
Denison School Superintendent Mike Pardon says they are working on an internal investigation and until it is finished he cannot comment any further.
Bonilla called for a full evaluation from an outside organization of all issues related to diversity in the school.
OC…….in this school” :22
Law enforcement along with other school administration were present to monitor the protest.
The protest lasted approximately 35 minutes before the students headed back to class.
KDSN/Radio Iowa/KMEG all contributed to this story
