Re “Culver BSU Students See Incident as Unifier”
Here is a story that should be related – and retold – across the community.
In a shining showcase, here are models of the behaviors and the character that Culver City boosters say distinguish their community from others.
The unwaveringly firm leadership of principal Dr. Lisa Cooper and the quietly mature response of officers of the Black Students Union combined to impressively quell what could have been a bonfire last Friday at Culver City High School.
A handsome group photo of Black Students Union members, taken last Friday, shortly appeared on Facebook with an insultingly racist caption.
The student culprit promptly was suspended.
When did Dr. Cooper learn of the incident?
“The incident happened Friday at lunch when the (Black Students Union) group picture was taken on the club patio,” she said.
“We were made aware of (the incident) by our wonderful students. The BSU president (Adili Rikondja) and members were very responsible. They brought it to our attention immediately.”
In her first full year as principal, Dr. Cooper said that “this allowed us to an opportunity to handle it right then and there.
“The BSU president and members have been showing nothing but leadership.”
Friday, of course, was not the end.
“I have been communicating with them, over the weekend and ever since,” Dr. Cooper said.
“We have talked about what my next steps are going to be, about what their next steps are going to be.”
When the BSU students came to Dr. Cooper, they identified the guilty boy.
“We were able to immediately address that student,” said the principal.
Dr. Cooper declined to disclose the contents of her conversation with the culprit.
“I immediately addressed the student body about what had occurred, and a phone message went home to the parents Friday night,” she said. “I said that we were aware of it and we were handling it. Our kids have been great. In my messages to the student body, I have said I appreciate and am proud of them for standing up for what they believe in.”
Dr. Cooper sent a more detailed message to student homes last Sunday.
