Royal Oak Superintendent on 'Build The Wall' Outburst: Intimidation Unacceptable

ROYAL OAK, MI — Royal Oak Superintendent of Schools Shawn Lewis-Lakin has released a board statement addressing the controversy surrounding the group of Royal Oak Middle School students who erupted in a passionate "build the wall" chant, referencing president-elect Donald Trump's controversial campaign pledge to build a wall along America's border with Mexico.

The outburst was caught on videotape and took off on social media. Todd Noonan, principal of Royal Oak Middle School, uploaded a video statement in response to the incident and now Lewis-Lakin is making his views clear in a statement.

Below please find Lewis-Lakin's full statement:

"Tonight, I ask that we come together for our kids. Our schools must be places of respect for ALL, inclusive of race, religion, orientation, socio-economic standing or political affiliation.

"Bullying, harassment and intimidation – in word and/or action – are unacceptable. Period. We have investigated the incident that occurred last Wednesday during lunch at Royal Oak Middle School. We have followed our policies on harassment and bullying. We have followed our student code of conduct. We have addressed this situation directly with the students involved. We have spoken to the parents. Remorse has been expressed. I personally have met with students and parents at the center of the incident.

"When a child feels threatened or is treated in a way that calls their value into question, it is wrong, it is unacceptable. On behalf of our district, I am sorry for this incident, I am sorry that any child ever experiences this, and I apologize for words that would suggest any such situation is not a big deal.

"I recognize that the event last week in our Middle School was not the first instance of bullying and intimidation in our schools. And, in this Royal Oak as a school community is not unique.
The attention this incident has brought is more than uncomfortable. It is also an opportunity for learning and growth. While there is much in our schools in which we rightly take great pride, growth begins when we acknowledge the work we still have to do.

"I ask us to join as one community in immediately rejecting angry rhetoric and finger pointing. This must end. We all care about all of our children, and now is the time for us together to focus on our children.
Across our district, we have programs in place to support positive behavior. We have programs to prevent bullying and promote acceptance. We will continue training for our staff that increases their capacity to understand and appreciate the needs of all students.

"Now, it is time for us to move forward. Though we have done work, and are doing work, we still have work to do. And, we will do more. The steps we take moving forward will be systemic and ongoing. And, I am very grateful for those who want to engage with us so that we can do more together.

"Our schools must be places of respect for ALL.

"Working together, united by our common care for all our children, we will emerge from this a stronger district and a better district.

"Thank you."

— Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Superintendent of Schools

Image via Shutterstock