Pittsford community demands that the town ‘do better’ in response to racism in district

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WHEC) — The rain did not stop a unity rally in Pittsford Sunday night. Parents and students stood in front of the Town Hall to express their concerns over the handling of three recently reported racist incidents within the school district.

Members of the community are demanding that the town "do better" when it comes to responding to acts of racism in the district.

Parents tell News10NBC’s Stephanie Duprey that having to deal with this specifically in Pittsford is nothing new.

“These things are really important but also fighting for what’s happening in the schools and in our community all the time,” said Kristen Turgeon, who has a 10-year-old son, Gus.

Gus also spoke with News10NBC and wanted to explain how these incidents make him feel, too.

“It doesn’t feel good and it shouldn’t feel like this because everyone should be treated respectfully, not equally but with equality,” Gus said.

News10NBC was told that the timing of this rally could not have been better, and it was almost ironic because this unity rally was planned well in advanced, and multiple racist instances happened days before it took place. Just last week, students in the Pittsford Central School District walked out of class in response to the district’s handling of a threatening, racist video that was posted on social media.

Then, two Greece Arcadia High School soccer players claim they were victims of racist taunts at two different matches. During the rally this, evening parents and students said they are not just upset over the video, but also the way the district and the town handle racist incidents in general.

Pittsford Superintendent Michael Pero was present for the rally in support, as well a few of the Pittsford Town council members