FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2023
PHRC responds to racially charged video posted by St. Hubert Catholic School students
Harrisburg, PA- Today the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the state's leading civil rights enforcement agency, was made aware of a racist incident involving several students from St. Hubert Catholic School in Holmesburg, which is in Northeast Philadelphia.
According to news reports, the video first appeared on social media Tuesday showing several white teen girls from St. Hubert's spray painting another student's face black while making racist comments.
In a statement from the school, President Lizanne Pando and Principal Dr. Gina MacKenzie said the incident was being investigated and all those responsible will be disciplined.
"This type of behavior is unacceptable and offensive," said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. "While I was pleased to see an immediate response from the school saying they will investigate, it is imperative that they take appropriate action to ensure that students know the racist background of 'blackface.' The PHRC extends an offer to St. Hubert Catholic School to provide bias and cultural sensitivity training for staff and students. These types of trainings have been offered to schools in the past who have had similar challenges."
PHRC offers in-depth trainings, brief presentations and events on many topics free of charge. These trainings are tailored to the specific needs of an organization or community. To learn more, click here. The PHRC urges anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination or hate to file a complaint with the PHRC by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available at www.PHRC.pa.gov.
###
MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Brothman, Director of Communications
Ambrothman@pa.gov
717.787.9537