Dozens of families pack Fox Chapel park in response to use of racial slur in video

FOX CHAPEL, Pa. — Dozens of families packed the pavilion at Squaw Valley Park in Fox Chapel Thursday night to show support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Mothers and fathers sat with their children of all ages to listen, learn and demand change for a more inclusive community. The peaceful protest came after a group of white students was recorded singing a racial slur repeatedly as part of a song.

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“It was a bunch of students who are ignorant to what the N-word means, not really caring that they’re being filmed and showing no remorse on what they’re saying,” said newly graduated Fox Chapel senior William Generett III.

Generett is talking about a video that has been circulating around the Fox Chapel community.

The video shows several white students at a party singing a song with explicit lyrics.

“That particular verse of the song is just the N-word repeated a bunch of different times, and it’s just unacceptable,” Generett said.

Generett, who is also the head of the black student union, reported it to Fox Chapel school officials.

Parents told Channel 11 race is one of the most difficult topics to discuss with their children, and bringing them wasn’t a choice -- it was necessary.

“I think it’s important for a predominately white suburb to show our support for our black neighbors,” said resident Becca Tobe.

A spokesperson said administrators contacted students and their families, had an investigation — and staff had a meeting with students addressing their concerns, and how to improve in the future.

But for Generett, it’s not enough.

“It’s like the police. I don’t trust the police to investigate themselves, and i don’t really trust Fox Chapel to investigate themselves so hopefully the media attention will get them to enact change in our school district,” Generett said.

School officials also released a statement that says in part:

“We believe it is crucial that the school district partners with our parents and guardians, and we encourage them to speak to their children about the harsh realities of racism. Words can be incredibly hurtful, and we need to continue to foster a collaborative dialogue with our students and the entire school community.”

“They come out with a statement but that’s not what we are looking for.. we want curriculum changes, we are looking for them to hire black teachers to diversify the classroom, and actually teach black history,” Generett said.

The night of peaceful protesting ended with an eight minute and 46 second moment of silence -- the time George Floyd was on the ground.

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