South Philly High students meet with officials after attacks

Security in and around South Philadelphia High School will be increased after a number of Asian students were attacked there earlier this week, a school district official said yesterday after a meeting held in response to the assaults.

Michael Silverman, the regional superintendent who oversees 31 of the district’s neighborhood high schools, said that as part of the safe-corridors program, city and school police officers and community members will patrol the blocks around the school to ensure that kids get to and from school safely.

School administrators also will focus on improving relationships with all students so that counselors can better help anyone in need, Silverman said.

About a dozen Asian students who had been attacked met with school district and other officials last night at the Chinese Christian Church and Center, at 10th and Spring streets. The meeting was organized by the students and Asian community leaders.

The attacks on Thursday were primarily initiated by African-American students who targeted about 30 Asians students, smacking and punching them, said victims and a meeting organizer.

Silverman said that the meeting was “very emotional.”

Read entire article in the Philadelphia Daily News.