KANSAS CITY, Mo. — About 25 students at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy staged a walk out Monday, alleging the school hasn’t done enough to listen to their concerns.
The students allege issues at the school include racism, sexual assault and harassment.
"We've had plenty of sexual assault claims. After that, we've had a lot of racist incidents between teachers and students and students and students. We've had just multiple instances where people have just felt unsafe," said sophomore student, Camille Moore.
Lincoln Prep students planned a walkout this afternoon after they say their voices have not been heard by school & district leaders when it comes to their safety inside the building. More at 4 & 5 on @KSHB41 pic.twitter.com/m3QfzcEIZC
— McKenzie Nelson (@McKenzieMNelson) May 9, 2022
Prior to the walkout, students alleged they were threatened by school leaders due to the planned walkout.
"I've been in multiple meetings with our principal. I know that a lot of our students have explained our frustrations. We have talked it out and every single time I leave those meetings feeling confident that the school will change and every single time, Idon't see any change," said sophomore student, Claire Kaufman-Schmidt.
KSHB 41 News reporter McKenzie Nelson reports district officials were present at Monday's walkout but didn't immediately provide a comment on camera.
The walkout also comes as a staff member was removed from grounds last week.
Officials with the Kansas City, Missouri, Public Schools District said they received "a report of inappropriate communication."
The unidentified staff member is accused of sending inappropriate communication with the student.
Last year, a note threatening Black students was also found inside of bathroom at Lincoln Prep.
KSHB 41 News reached out to KCPS for comment surrounding the allegations and received the statement:
KCPS was aware of the student-led walkout at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy today, and we have listened to the sentiments being shared by some of our students. This afternoon, we did our best to coordinate and allow student voice of about 25 students while also maintaining the safety and security of all students and staff at LCPA. We remain committed to working through these challenges together so that our school can be a place where everyone feels safe and supported in their learning.
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