CUMBERLAND - Hang in there. Don't give up.

That was the advice of Allegany County Board of Education member Jeff Metz Tuesday night to Beanchor Campbell, Jazzmine Thomas and Crystalee Campbell - all of whom have accused fellow Fort Hill High School students of racist acts of intimidation.

Just hours after a community meeting Monday at Metropolitan AME Church in Cumberland which, many hoped, marked the beginning to a solution, Beanchor Campbell said one truck with a painted Confederate flag on its tailgate stopped in front of her home as she was in the front yard. The window went down. The girls quickly went inside.

"I don't feel safe at school," Crystalee Campbell said.

She said the problems have been caused primarily by a small group of students who check in at Fort Hill before traveling to the Center for Career and Technical Education.

One on one situations are easier to handle, Beanchor Campbell said, but "when they get together, it gets worse."

Thomas said the tide has turned - not against the alleged perpetrators of such instances - but against the three of them. She said other students were blaming them for causing unrest at school.

The three girls were accompanied by guardian Walter Hughson, of Corriganville Tuesday. Hughson said the girls needed to address the board "so you can hear what is going on in their lives."

"Hopefully we can get something done about this," Hughson said.

Superintendent Bill AuMiller noted "a couple" of students had already been suspended for their participation in related incidents. He said the school and board staff are working with the state civil rights office and local law enforcement. Also, a meeting is to be scheduled between school officials and the parents of those causing the problems, AuMiller said.

Administrators said they are reviewing their current policy against bullying and harassment to ensure racially charged statements which create hostile environments are covered.

"We will address it," AuMiller said. "We will get it cleaned up."

Board President Fred Sloan read from a prepared statement that it is the administration's job to create and enforce a "safe, intimidation-free environment. We are taking a very proactive approach. We will do all we can in our capacity to assist in (this) situation."

The situation has been murky since last fall. A number of black students have been offended by the display of the Confederate flag. Up until a certain point, those displays are protected under the freedom of speech. AuMiller noted Monday a line had been crossed in which the students had created a hostile environment - allowing the administration to act.

Board attorney Gary Hanna told the students that those under the care of the school system during the day aren't necessarily free from punishment for incidents off school grounds or before or after school hours.

"They cannot think they are sheltered," Hanna said. "The board does have the authority (to react in such situations). It's not easy to do."

He said crimes committed away from school initially could involve the police. Still, that doesn't stop the school from evaluating the situation.

"Perpetrators should be aware," Hanna said.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.



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