On Friday, May 17, a few dozen Wilton High School students left their midday classes and lunch periods to participate in a group walk outside the school, intending to raise awareness about the impact racist actions and hate speech can have. The “peaceful protest” was organized in response to escalating incidents of hate speech at WHS, including a recent social media post utilizing racial slurs and bullying language by students.
The event was organized by the leaders of two student organizations, the WHS Racial Equity and Diversity Club and the WHS Black Student Union. Holding signs and chanting, “Hate hate, love love,” the group walked from the school’s main entrance to the corner of Kristine Lilly Way and Catalpa Rd., and then turned back around to head to Lilly Field.
There, the group heard messages from WHS Racial Equity and Diversity Club President Aijalon Gordon and Vice President Jason Sherrick, and WHS Black Student Union President Fatoumata Keita. The three shared their personal stories in addition to inspirational words focused on unity and being upstanders, according to people who attended.
WHS students who participated in the walk against hate and racism with signs outside the school’s Field House. Credit: contributed 
WHS students participating in the walk against hate and racism. Credit: contributed 
WHS students participating in the walk against hate and racism went to Lilly Field to share experiences and messages of unity. Credit: contributed 
WHS students participating in the walk against hate and racism begin the event. School resource officers were on hand. Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton
The walk had been publicized on social media to the wider community, and the message communicated that adults were invited to attend and support the students in their protest. However, on Wednesday, Principal Robert O’Donnell sent a message on the district’s ParentSquare forum indicating that the event was for Wilton High School students only.
“This is a school day event and no community members will be allowed to attend,” he wrote.
School resource officers and campus supervisors were on hand during the walk.
Saturday Event for Wider Community
Another walk and rally against bias and hate is being organized in Wilton on Saturday, May 18. People participating are set to meet at Wilton Train Station in Wilton Center at 10:30 a.m. and then proceed to Our Lady of Fatima Church, where a peaceful gathering with speakers will take place.
Saturday’s event is being hosted by OLF’s Father Reginald Norman and organized by Michael S. Gordon of Team US Empowerment Solutions, a Wilton resident and advocate for the inclusion, equitable treatment, and liberation of marginalized citizens, particularly people of color.
Editor’s note: Gordon is the Equity and Inclusion Instructional Leader at Wilton Schools, but the event on Saturday is not affiliated with the Wilton Public School district.
Sad to see the DEI Instructional Leader/coach brings hate to our students, not the opposite.
Students are in school to learn and understand, and to judge people based on their merits, not their skin.