MOBILE Ala.
About 100 students at St. Paul’s Episcopal School stood outside in the courtyard to show their support for a black classmate who received a racist, threatening letter in her locker this week.
Student Government Association President Carmen Chambers spoke to the media on behalf of her peers before leading the group in prayer Thursday morning.
“What happened Tuesday does not reflect our student body,” Chambers said. “It contrasts everything we stand for.”
Kenyaitta Hackworth, 14, said she opened her locker between classes Tuesday to find the letter.
The one-page letter, written on lined notebook paper, was addressed “To: You,” and “From: Me.” It had a picture of a noose hanging from a tree with the words “Whites Only.”
“I hate blacks, especially you,” the letter stated. “You think you so cute and all but you ain’t nun but trash … I want you to leave this skool. I want you to leave now and go to a skool with your (people).”
Hackworth, a freshman who is on scholarship to run track at the private school, stayed home Wednesday.
Officials said she returned to class after the rally Thursday and remained in school Friday.
Marty Lester, who’s the top administrator as St. Paul’s searches for a new headmaster, said they are cooperating with police in investigating the incident.
“We want to make sure everybody understands this is a safe place to go to school,” Lester said. “The act of one person does not define our school.”
Information from: Press-Register, https://www.al.com/mobile/
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