In a shocking turn of events, a 10-year-old Black student has been expelled from a private Catholic school in Oregon after being called a racial slur on the playground. The incident, which occurred on March 31, has sparked outrage as the school’s principal, Tresa Rash, not only failed to address the incident but also escalated the situation by calling the police on the boy’s parents when they demanded accountability.

Mike Phillips, the boy’s father and a renowned saxophonist, expressed his disbelief at the school’s response. Instead of taking action against the student who hurled the slur, the school cited a vague “code of conduct” violation against the victim, effectively punishing him for speaking out. “How can you hold someone accountable in an environment that has a history of racism?” Phillips questioned, highlighting the absurdity of the school’s actions.

The family sought answers and clarity regarding the school’s policies on racial incidents but were met with evasive responses. The principal’s decision to contact 911 during a discussion with the parents raised alarms about the treatment of Black families in predominantly white institutions. The emotional toll on the young boy has been significant, with days filled with confusion and heartbreak as he grapples with feelings of rejection and isolation.

Phillips has since enrolled his son in a new school, determined to shield him from the trauma of the incident and the school environment that failed to protect him. As the school faces backlash and scrutiny, Phillips is committed to holding them accountable, not just for his son but for all students affected by such injustices. The fight against ingrained racism in educational institutions continues as this family stands firm in their demand for change.