The school was thrust into the media spotlight last week following two racially charged fights in which only black students were criminally charged. While most officials agree racism isn't rampant at Washington High, they say a small group of students maintains a hostile white-supremacist mentality that must be stopped. Ruby Campbell, legal guardian of Keith Hightower, one of six black students charged in connection with the fights on Jan. 8, said Hightower complained constantly about a group of so-called skinheads harassed the black kids with racial slurs. I want to see justice served. Washington is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse schools in the district.
Russian immigrants make up a significant percentage of the white population.
But in this apparent melting pot, there is little mixing. One recent day after school, a group of Russian students huddled outside the nearby library. Black students gathered across the street near a pizza parlor. That's the only way to keep out of trouble,' added Troy Teasley, 16. It's a racially polarized school.