Too little. Too late. 

These statements perfectly describe Cal High’s response to the school-wide assemblies on Nov. 29 that addressed several racist incidents that have taken place on campus since mid-October. 

More than a month prior to the assembly, these incidents were featured on several major Bay Area news networks. 

So why did it take more than a month for  administrators to finally address this racist hate in a school-wide setting?

It is unfortunate the school did not deem it necessary to address this issue sooner. 

Sadly, it appears that the main reason the assembly occurred was because of parent uproar.

 Though the assembly may have been well intentioned, it took the pressure of several parents and their threats of picketing Cal the Tuesday after Thanksgiving break if an assembly was not held that day.

Cal’s assembly was the Tuesday after Thanksgiving break.

The school system is meant to primarily look after the needs of the students and teachers. 

So why is it that the school needs angry parents to force its hand? 

Well, it seems that the protocol for anything controversial is to sweep it under the rug in hopes of nobody noticing.

On the other hand, recent racist graffiti at Monte Vista prompted the school to host a school-wide assembly within a day of the incident.  It’s interesting to point out that Monte Vista had a single incident. Cal had four before an assembly was scheduled.

This assembly was badly needed. It was extremely beneficial to give every student the chance to speak out for what he or she had a strong opinion or a story to share with others. 

Several students shared heart-breaking anecdotes about their experiences with racism, while others read poems during their speeches. 

Most of the students who spoke condemned school racism and promoted unity.

The Californian thanks every student for having the courage to stand up in front of more than a thousand classmates and speak up about the injustices that have occurred on campus because without them, the assembly would have been futile.

Nonetheless, it was apparent that the assembly was not well executed at times when administrators suddenly interrupted powerful or not-so powerful student speeches because of “time constraints,” or the disjointed atmosphere.

Although our recent assembly promoted this unity and shamed racism, it is disheartening to learn that this assembly was the result of parent’s threats and possibly another school’s influence.

The vocal and open uproar of the Cal students who have been most affected and hurt by the racism on campus should have been more than enough.