Park Hill student says he was suspended after defending himself in racist incident

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Black Park Hill High School student says he defended himself after being called the N-word, and got suspended. He also says he’s the only one he knows of who’s facing discipline in this incident.

“I can’t believe the administration threw me out like trash like that,” Colby Barker told FOX4.

The Park Hill School District responded and says this is under investigation, and racist behavior is not tolerated.

The incident in question took place a less than a week ago. Barker told FOX4 that for the 2.5 years he’s gone to school at Park Hill High, he’s felt an undertone of racism.

He said no incident was more obvious than when he attempted to confront a student he claims several of his female friends had issues with, saying that student had sexually harassed them.

“She told me that he told her that I was a dirty n*****. So, I came to confront him…. ‘Why are you saying these things? I haven’t done anything to you.’ And he said, ‘Don’t talk to me dirty n*****,’” Barker said.

FOX4 asked him what his reaction was, the senior said he was shocked.

“I have never had someone have enough guts to say that to my face,” Barker said.

He said moments later, he pinned the student up against the wall, which led to him being suspended for seven days.

He still doesn’t know if any discipline is in place for the student he says called him a slur.

The district told FOX4 the situation is under investigation, but would not elaborate on what seems like an unfair leveling of consequences.

In 2021, another school in the district, Park Hill South High, had a petition circulated around by students to have a return of slavery . An educator months later was also caught using a racial slur.

School leaders were required to bring in racism experts to address the issues.

“There’s always been the racism there, and there are people who single you out,” Barker said.

Barker returns to school next Monday, but tells FOX4 he feels uneasy about that return.

There is a protest and walk out planned for 1 p.m. on Thursday on school grounds, and as this investigation plays out, FOX4 will provide updates.

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