Student leaders urge board to protect student antiracism club

"My name is Cooper Bauer," a student leader told the board during public comment, joined by Rowan Mueller. The students identified themselves as "student leaders of the Bobcat Antiracism Collective" and thanked the district for supporting clubs like BARC while urging continued backing amid a changing political climate.

"BARC is a collection of students and staff who collaborate to broaden our predominantly white students' knowledge about the Black experience in America," Cooper Bauer said, describing club activities that include movie nights, guest speakers and activism events. The students said a recent presentation by a professor from The Ohio State University on environmental racism was "very educational."

They also warned that "bills, orders, and policies that are currently circulating have put BARC at risk now more than ever," and asked the board to continue supporting honest, inclusive curriculum and opportunities for student voice.

Board members thanked the students for their remarks and for their leadership; the board did not take formal action on the comment but expressed appreciation for the club and the students' involvement.