- In this video, Mothers of Mojave founder Samantha Berbick says there are other options for suspending students.
- Berbick argued that Mojave soccer players should not have been suspended or suspended from winter sports for their role in a brawl during a game in October.
- Mojave District Superintendent Katherine Aguirre invited parents indoors to the educational resource event as parent groups were planning to meet outdoors.
Broadcast transcript:
A planned march at Mojave High School devolved into a debate Monday between parents and school district officials over suspensions and educational resources.
I’m Steve Bergen, your neighborhood reporter.
As parents prepared to march outside, district Superintendent Catherine Aguirre invited the group inside.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t agree with the football program being canceled. I think it was the stupidest idea ever. I don’t mean to disrespect anyone in decision-making, but I don’t agree with what we already have here. I feel like there’s a limit to what we can do,” said Samantha Berbick, founder of Mothers of Mojave.
This is Samantha Berbick’s opinion on the disciplinary actions handed down to about a dozen soccer players involved in a scuffle during a game in Lone Pine in October.
They were ruled ineligible to participate in winter sports and activities.
Berbick was joined on Monday by Michel Valmer.
Her son, Adrian Arrington, was also suspended from school last fall…and more recently…suspended following an on-campus incident…the incident occurred between Arrington and the school. It ended in derogatory language among the guards.
“I personally feel that suspension is not the right answer every time. ‘Come on, let’s suspend the kid. Come on, let’s suspend the kid. Come on, let’s suspend the kid.’ Not.’ What’s going on with that kid?’” Berbick said.
Berbick and Valmar were two of the few parents invited to campus by district Superintendent Katherine Aguirre to talk about the matter.
Valmer: “It felt great to have everyone come together and talk and have our voices heard. I hope we see some change.”
Coach Aguirre did not want to appear on camera, but said the meeting was productive.
Coach Aguirre said the soccer players were disciplined over the winter according to school rules.
Virgen: “What do you hope for in the future?”
Berbick: “To end racism, prejudice, and inequality. And the people employed here and the superintendent should also care about kids more than data.”
Parents said they would hold another meeting if they felt it was necessary. In the Mojave, I’m Steve Bergen, your neighborhood reporter.
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