Emily was reprimanded (given a 1 day internal suspension and furthermore a 4 day external suspension) as a result of a performance that occurred during the UN day cultural showcase. She unintentionally rapped the full lyrics to a drake song. Immediately after, she expressed sincere regret for her actions, acknowledging that she made a mistake and the derogatory term that she used was not said in malice. Her accidental use of the word "nigga" is being called harassment and intended as a racial slur, which it was not.

Emily has been at this school since JA. She is an exemplary student who has displayed academic excellence and has won multiple awards for her community service actions. She is an active member of this community and is loved by her peers and teachers. Although her behavior wasn't favorable and a clear lack of judgment, the student body does not agree with the punishment granted to her. Referring to the student handbook (sections provided below) there is no section in which the school reserves the right to suspend a student for a first infraction when it pertains to inappropriate language; in fact, it states that a first offense merits a verbal warning, and only a third infraction merits suspension. These few months are the most crucial in our entire high school career. Losing days during our vigorous and demanding schedule of classes and our college application period makes this punishment far more severe than it already is. Emily's actions were artistic in their intent, and in no way were her actions directed to anyone on a personal level. We recommend an alternate punishment: Emily should send an school wide apology, and forfeit her right to perform at UNIS again if there is worry that these actions will occur again, or at least receive in school suspension therefore she can go to class. We feel her punishment was not just nor was it timely, please sign this petition to help get Emily's unjust punishment retracted/altered.