Twelve community members spoke up during Monday’s Board of Education meeting in support of DHS principal Tim Hamblin. 

Hamblin had been directed by a school board member to apologize to staff for sharing a video that talked about white privilege.

For previous stories, check out the following:

Column written by Nik Shay: https://pantherstale.com/84185/news/shay-forcing-censorship-only-contributes-to-inherent-problem-of-white-privilege/ 

Story written by Agness Mbezi: https://pantherstale.com/88464/news/teamhamblin/ 

The final public comment of the night came from Sharilyn Ray. 

And it was the ultimate mic drop.

Following the public comment portion of the board meeting, she talked further about the issues of racism within Derby Public Schools and what needs to be done.

Why did you want to speak tonight? What did it mean for you?

“I’ve had a lot of kids in the school district, and they went through quite a bit. And I think the blind eye, you’re not a part of that, if you aren’t experiencing it, then it’s easy to say it doesn’t exist. 

“I’m tired of my kids and kids that look like my kids suffering and being put out in a place that’s supposed to make them feel safe and educated and not having that support from administration and sometimes teachers. And again, if you sit complacent in it, you are OK in it. We want people to speak up and speak out and speak loud. Even if you try to get shut down.”