Local students of color are speaking out about the challenges they say they face in suburban schools. Reporters Georgie Silvarole and Justin Murphy from the Democrat & Chronicle recently sat down with students from across Monroe County to discuss their experiences with racism and academic hurdles. Their investigation revealed that, on average, minority students are more than a year behind their white counterparts academically; that they face higher out-of-school suspension rates; and that they say there is persistent racism on the part of students and adults in their schools.
This hour, we hear from students, parents, and a school official who share their experiences and their ideas for how to make suburban schools more inclusive. In studio:
- Kennedy Jackson, senior at Penfield High School
- Kidane Malik, senior at Greece Arcadia High School
- Kimberly Melvin, parent of two Urban Suburban program students, member of the Pittsford Central School District PTSA, and member of the Urban Suburban Parent Advisory Committee
- Jessie Keating, community activist
- Ty Zinkiewich, assistant superintendent for instruction in the Spencerport Central School District
- Georgie Silvarole, suburban trends reporter at the Democrat & Chronicle
