High School Responds to Gang Clothing

Written by Gary Lacy

Wednesday, 24 September 2008 18:15

Woodford County High School is taking swift action after students took sides in the

aftermath of a gang-related incident at the school of 1,250.

Principal Rob Akers is asking parents to help the school quell what he's calling "irresponsible behavior."

Akers sent a letter, which was also posted on the high school's Web site, to parents in an attempt to explain why and how the school is dealing with students who are wearing gang- related colors.

Akers says it started last week when two students, affiliated with rival gangs, got into a conflict at school.
Other students began wearing gang colors as a show of support for one of the students or the other.
The gangs involved were the Two Two Boys, who are identified by Carolina blue and the Latin Kings, who wear black and gold.
"I don't think it's an actual gang problem," Akers said of the situation at the school.
He says there's been no blanket edict to students to quit wearing certain colors.
The administration is merely "targeting the behavior of individual students."
"We only address it if there's a behavior that goes with it," explained Akers.
Akers says the "conflict" was between two Hispanic students who had outside affiliations with rival gangs.
School and law enforcement officials met with 40 Hispanic parents last night, asking for their help in, as Akers puts it, "reducing tensions."
"We had a really good conversation with the parents," said Akers. "They're extremely invested in their kids. These are hard working folks who want their kids to do the best they can in school."
As she left school Wednesday, senior Britni Braswell told WTVQ 36 News that there is not a gang problem in the school.
She is Hispanic and moved here with her family from Las Vegas several years ago.
"There is too many gangs in Vegas, too much violence and my mom didn't want us growing up in that," said Braswell.
She believes the administration is over reacting and singling out Hispanic students for punishment.
"I think it's really discrimination of them to do that and they really shouldn't worry about it too much," said Braswell. "I don't think it should be such a big deal and they're making it way more than what it is."
The principal says he is not picking on Hispanic students.
"No, absolutely not," said Akers. "It was two Hispanics who were involved and then their friends and that's why we're working on that."
Akers refused to say whether the students involved in the initial conflict or any others have been expelled or suspended from school.
He did say the two students with gang affiliations have disciplined "severely."
He says the conflict did not involve weapons or any criminal activity.

Here is the letter sent Tuesday to parents by the WCHS principal:

September 23, 2008
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Over the past few days, Woodford County High School has experienced some irresponsible behavior committed by students with ties to gangs. The administration has worked prior to today to deal with this limited group of individuals, and their families, on an individual basis to address these concerns. One of the main issues we have targeted is the wearing of gang-related colors. Students who have persisted in these gang-related activities have been directed to no longer wear colors associated with gang activity. We have asked these families for their support in reducing tensions between these students.
To date, we have encountered issues from students supporting two gangs. The first gang is known as the "Two Two Boys" and those supporters wear "Carolina Tar Heel" blue. The other gang is the Latin Kings and supporters of that gang wear black and yellow/gold. While these are Woodford County High School colors, they are not being worn in support of school spirit.
A perception of many students is that the administration is banning the colors based on the race of students involved. This is absolutely not true. Our number one goal is to provide a safe, secure and healthy learning environment, and any actions that we have taken on an individual basis have been to try to ensure the safety of all of our students.
I am asking that you, as parents and guardians, talk with your students about this issue. Please explain to them that the wearing of those colors can be perceived as supporting specific gangs and the gang culture in general. While it is unfortunate that gang-related activities have taken place at WCHS, please know that we are working very closely with law enforcement experts to intervene and deal effectively with each situation. In addition, school officials have worked with district level personnel and have been involved in all of our decision making. We will continue to work diligently to make Woodford County High School the safest high school in Kentucky . Please feel free to contact me at 873-5434 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you'd like to discuss this issue or share concerns.
Sincerely,
Rob Akers

Principal

Woodford County High School

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