Joint Statement from John Schultz, Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools, and Nekima Levy-Pounds, Esq.

regarding resolution reached in February incident in which two African American male students at Hopkins High School were suspended and received criminal citations.

Hopkins Public Schools recently participated in a restorative justice process in an effort to bring closure to an incident that happened at Hopkins High School on Feb. 15, 2013. During the incident, two African American students were suspended and given petty misdemeanor citations by the Minnetonka Police Department in relation to an altercation with an administrator that stemmed from the students attempts to retrieve posters that they had created in protest of concerns about alleged racial insensitivity on the part of some students. In an effort to address the concerns being raised by students, parents, and some community members, Hopkins Public Schools began an independent investigation into the matter and also subsequently agreed to participate in a restorative justice process to ensure understanding on the part of all stakeholders. The process included Hopkins Superintendent John Schultz, the Hopkins High School principal, the associate principal, the two African American high school students involved in the February incident, as well as their attorney, Nekima Levy-Pounds. For all involved, the restorative justice process was a step in the right direction to promote healing and understanding. During the restorative justice process, everyone was able to voice their concerns about the treatment of students of color at Hopkins High School and to share their perspectives regarding the February incident, and to discuss how to move forward in the best interests of the students. The students involved in the process were able to make clear that they did not intentionally disrespect the school staff, but were making a conscious effort to stand up for what they believed was right. Hopkins Public Schools expressed its commitment to making Hopkins High School a welcoming educational environment for all students. In light of the circumstances that lead to the February incident and the misunderstandings that ensued between students and staff, in the spirit of equity, the District has decided to overturn the suspensions of the two students. Additionally criminal citations brought on by the Minnetonka Police Department against the students have been dismissed by the prosecutors involved in the case. The high school will continue its work around cultural competency and issues of racial bias. While there is work to do, the students felt that progress had been made and appreciated the opportunity to share their perspectives. All of the participants agreed to continue to work together on these issues.