Arkansas High School Wont Let African-American Student Be Valedictorian

An Arkansas high school would not let a black student be valedictorian of her class even though she had the highest grade-point average because school administrators were concerned a black valedictorian would create a “big mess” at the predominately white school.

According to a complaint filed in federal court, Kymberly Wimberly got only a single B in her four years at McGehee Secondary School, a high school southeast of Little Rock. She took as many Honors and Advanced Placement courses as was allowed and earned the highest G.P.A. in her class. But despite these accomplishments, school administrators and personnel treated two other white students as “heirs apparent” to the valedictorian spots. McGhee Principal Darrel Thompson confirmed the differential treatment when he told Wimberly that he had decided to name a white student as co-valedictorian, despite the fact that the white student had a lower G.P.A.

As if that were not bad enough, school officials refused to allow Wimberly or her mother, a school employee, to protest the decision to the school board. According to the complaint, Superintendent Thomas Gathen refused to let Wimberly address the school board because she “filled out the wrong form” and instead of asking for “public comments” Wimberly should have asked for “public participation.” Superintendent Gathen then told her she could not appeal his decision until the next school board meeting–scheduled well over a month past graduation.

The complaint attacks what it calls a culture of discouraging African-American students from achieving academic success. The last African-American valedictorian was in 1989. African-American students are routinely discouraged from taking honors and advanced placement classes, telling those students the work is too hard for them.

Wimberly’s case is complicated by the fact that she is also a young mother. Title IX protects young mothers from discrimination in educational settings but can’t, on its own, eradicate ingrained racial and cultural prejudices.

Wimberly’s success should be celebrated by the entire district, not diminished because of her race and her status as a young mother. The actions in this case are not only illegal they are cultural repugnant.

Photo from nics_events via flickr.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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timothy m.

9:30PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

Now this is truly bizarre: reverse-reverse discrimination!

send a green star

Mary L.

5:46PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

I am confused. What year is this? 1912? It sure seems like it the longer this century goes on.

You'd think by now the PTB would realize their bigoted responses will be publicized and they'll be hauled up in the court of national public opinion and it won't be the thumbs up they're expecting.

The young lady earned the right and the fact that she is a mother only makes her achievement more amazing.

I hope she gets offers to college from everywhere, fully paid trip. She deserves it at the very least.

Teresa C.

7:02AM PST on Feb 15, 2012

She most certainly should be valdictorian, she earned it. It is obvious, throughout the article, that their sole and total reason for not allowing Kymberly the honor she earned, is simply because she's black. The NAACP and the ACLU need to get involved in this.
IMO, every school official who had any part in this needs to be fired. Sensitivity training, etc. won't work on these people--they are prejudiced, and seem to believe they have the right to use their offices to discriminate against some children. Haters hate because they want to--but I don't see why they should attain influential employment, and gain a salary paid for, in part, by the very people they're hating.

Joy J.

1:58PM PDT on Sep 8, 2011

Horrible. Racism will always exist.

Seledi M.

2:31PM PDT on Aug 24, 2011

no matter how hard u try for change ingnorance n racism will always exist.... so sad

Ann G.

7:40AM PDT on Aug 16, 2011

Petition?

Brian F.

3:02PM PDT on Aug 8, 2011

Really? What is wrong with people; do they not get that it’s 2011 and this type of thing will not be tolerated. Open your eyes and get caught up with the rest of the world!

Noel S.

10:40AM PDT on Aug 2, 2011

FAO Zeke S - I'm betting that Walter F is simply a Mischief-Maker .

Janice S.

10:36AM PDT on Aug 2, 2011

This is so wrong! I hope she will go on to do great things in her future. They should sue the school system for blatant discrimination. Get the SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER involved.

Zeke S.

10:35AM PDT on Aug 2, 2011

Hey Walter F. care to elaborate on your "comment".

1. How is Kymberly a cheater?
2. Explain how you know she is a liar. Are you an administrator (doubtful)? If so in what capacity? Are you a student (doubtful)? How do you know Kymberly? Do you have access to her transcripts? If so how did you obtain them?

I would like to see your proof that Kymberly is a "cheater" and a "liar".