In the past week or two, numerous instances of hate crime at Hingham High School have prompted students to organize a “Unity Rally” in hopes of demonstrating to all that the community at HHS has no room for hate.
Last week, administration discovered a swastika drawn on the boy’s bathroom wall. Dr. Buckey, the interim HHS Principal, quickly sent out a message to students, staff, and families, condemning such ignorance and hate. Also, Dr. Buckey declared that the high school, in coordination with the Hingham Police Department, would launch an investigation and urged students to come forth if they knew anything.
However, just days later a racial slur was discovered in another boy’s bathroom. Once again, administration addressed the situation, expressing utter disgust that an HHS student would 1) deface school property and 2) show such hatred and ignorance towards fellow groups and students. Both images were removed and reported, but the effects of such behavior cannot be so easily erased.
The perpetrator(s), whether they thought this graffiti was a prank or not, need to understand that their actions have harmful effects on the Hingham Community. Hingham High School prides itself on inclusivity and acceptance, two aspects of school culture that allow students to become better educated and more empathetic individuals. Although Dr. Buckey and other faculty members addressed the devastating situation to their students they have the power to enact such change.
Organized by the Jewish Student Union, People of Color and Allies, HHS Metco students, and HHS Unity Project, a rally took place outside the high school at 7:30 am on March 13. Club leaders, team captains, and class officers were asked to help spread the word and many teachers posted flyers on their Google Classrooms as well.
The event was a tremendous success. Hundreds of students gathered, making posters, and wearing red, to stand up against recent events and demonstrate that these prejudice beliefs are not shared with the rest of the community. Teachers also showed their support, showing up in large numbers as well. Student-made posters read “We stand as one” or “No room for hate.”
Mrs. Petrie, a high school history and psychology teacher, arrived at the rally dressed in red. When asked to speak on the matter, Petrie said “I believe it is valuable to hear from teachers and administrators that it is important to show support, but I think if you are member of a group of people who is feeling attacked, it is so meaningful to know that your fellow classmates stand with you.”
At 7:15, several students gathered in the lobby to start making posters. Henry Sellers, a student in attendance, explained that he was there to make a sign because he wants to “stand up for our school, friends, and classmates.” Once posters were made, several students lead an enormous group out onto the sidewalk, where they lined the roads, making a sea of red. Dr. Buckey, who was also in attendance that morning, noted that this rally “represents the true values of Hingham High School.”
When asked why she was in attendance, Erika Campbell, a sophomore at HHS, explained that “It feels like the right thing to do, to use my voice against discrimination and support those directly affected.” Erika was not alone in feeling this way, as Lulu Orth and Audrey Smith, both HHS juniors, remarked that “The students standing here together show that really nobody is okay with it. This is not what our school is about.”
Ethan Warhaftig, founder and president of the Jewish Student Union, played a significant role in organizing the Unity Rally. When asked about the event, Ethan remarked that “The turnout was great. The fact that there are students and teachers will really send a message to whoever has been causing such angst in our community. The faculty does not support what they are doing, but most importantly the students do not support what they are doing.”
In moments like these, where devastating incidents of hate have the possibility of weakening communities, Hingham High School rose above. Through this Unity Rally, students and staff demonstrated that there is no room for prejudice or discrimination. This is not who we are or ever will be.
