San Francisco students suspended over racist ‘wigga party’

[KamaAina]

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-students-suspended-over-racist-6790881.php

More than a dozen high school students were suspended from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco after they took part in a racist-themed party at Stern Grove in the Outer Sunset, school officials said Thursday.

The party, which took place Saturday at the city recreation area and was promoted through social media, was themed a “wigga party” and was attended by students from at least five different high schools including St. Ignatius, said Principal Patrick Ruff.

The slang term “wigga” combines the word white and the n-word and refers to a white person who attempts to emulate African American culture by drawing on stereotypes of clothing and mannerisms.

“It’s disheartening and incredibly sad this type of thing exists not just for SI, but for the entire city,” Ruff said, noting that the 14 students involved had been suspended as soon as administrators learned of the party. “This really is a critical juncture for us.”

Gosh, I love the liberal Bay Area! </sarc>

[HassleCat]

1. I don't get the connection

Why would racism off campus be a cause for suspension? The school might want to tread carefully here, or face legal action on 1st Amendment grounds.

[KamaAina]

2. St. Ignatius is a private Catholic school

They no doubt have a code of conduct for students.

[GKEnder]

3. They signed a code of conduct,

Stating that they would refrain from just this kind of action. First amendment has absolutely nothing to do with it.

[immoderate]

4. It's a private school. They make the rules.

I agree that they may have over-reacted. OTOH, suspension always seemed more like vacation than punishment to me.

I think that the kids (which they are) should be in line for some consciousness raising, which I like to think of as part of education. But, like you, I think what they do off campus, is a job for their parents.

--imm