KHS takes stand on vandalism

Wednesday morning, the morning after Americans elected their first black president, Kilgore High School was "adorned" with a message in the form of a racial slur written on the side of the gym. By Friday morning, KHS students sent their own message in the form of a "State of the Bulldog Address":

"We, the Student Council of Kilgore High School, would like to address the vandalism that occurred on our campus. The vandalism in no way represents the ideals of our student body. Our community is invited to join us in our stand to be united as people and as Bulldogs."

The council is planning a "Unity Day" to get the community involved, with the date to be announced later.

Jody Clements, KISD superintendent, said in a meeting with the student council on Friday that Bishop L.J. Guillory from Ombudsman International, an organization which describes itself as a United States Government oversight agency, was brought in, along with the Rev. Laramie Jackson to discuss the graffiti incident.

"I was out of town and did not see the message," said Clements. "I was told there were negative racial statements made."

He added that video tapes from campus security cameras have been turned over as evidence to the U.S. Justice Department and the FBI.

Guillory said he can confidently state that the person or persons involved were adults.

"It is important at this time not only to pursue a criminal investigation, but to get behind the students of KHS who are the victims of this incident," said Guillory.

Students says they are united in their reaction to the incident and want to ensure the community that this incident does not reflect the actions or beliefs of the KHS student body or the people of Kilgore, said Guillory.

"I'm sure the person or persons involved in this act will be caught," Guillory said. "I am hoping th0e community leaders, church leaders and civic groups will come fourth on Unity Day to support these students."

Clements said it is important to address these issues as they happen.

"We, as a school district, want to be up front about any incident that takes place at KISD, and that is why we got the FBI and Justice Department involved," said Clements.

There have been no other negative incidents of any type involving KHS students prior to or since the election, said Clements.

Dennis Williams, KISD assistant superintendent, said he has walked the halls of KHS and talked to students and nothing has come out of this incident.

"The graffiti was sprayed on a small portion of the south gym wall," said Williams. "When school officials were notified of the incident Wednesday morning the graffiti was immediately removed before students had to see it."

Guillory said the words used or the way it was displayed is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Clements said he has received some calls concerning the safety of the students and he wants to assure everyone there is no threat of danger to any KHS student and there have been no other related incidents.

An official police report has been filed with the Kilgore Police Department by School Resource Officer Richard Stanley.