Anti-racism protest at Simon Kenton High School

INDEPENDENCE, Ky. - A group of people gathered outside Simon Kenton High School Friday for an anti-racism protest, claiming the school is racist.

The protesters gathered across the street, off school grounds located on Madison Pike in Independence, Friday afternoon.

The protesters say the school is racist and that few minorities attend the school. The protesters claim some students flaunt racist flags and make racist comments.

The group of about 10 protesters said they are sick of the racism at the school and that is what prompted them to gather outside the school with signs that convey messages such as "stop racism."

The deputy superintendent of Simon Kenton High School, Barb Martin, says there was a fight earlier in the week that involved a black student and white student, and both were suspended. The school says students felt one of the students involved did not deserve to be punished, which prompted "bantering" between students on Facebook Thursday night.

The assistant principal of the school was alerted to the bantering, and the school was proactive in calling Independence police, which came to school Friday to put a stop to any violence that may have occurred. They were called as a precaution and nothing ever occurred, according to Martin.

Martin says the protesters outside the school were mostly adults, but that some students did leave the school building to join them, and says those students will be dealt with accordingly for leaving school grounds.

Martin said the school handled the situation "in an excellent manner and made sure all students were safe."

Martin also said she knows of no racism going on at the school, but there are plans for more positive talks with students and staff on Monday.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for the latest on these protests.

View Larger Map