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Concord High School Separates Students By Race

CONCORD, Calif. -- A Concord high school divided students by ethnicity for separate pep talks on boosting test scores, featuring jazz music for black students and flags of Asian students' foreign homelands, NBC 11 reported.

The students at Mount Diablo High school were divided into ethnic groups last Friday to talk about the test scores, recognize achievements and celebrate their culture, school officials said.

The school also held separate assemblies Friday for white and Hispanic students “We talked about our test scores, how they were low and how to improve,” student Nutia Koayen said. “It was alright, we talked about what Latinos should do and how to raise up our grades."

But while many students enjoyed the assemblies, others said they felt uncomfortable.

“When I went to the assembly, I'm Hispanic, but I don't know how to speak Spanish, so I couldn't connect,” said Ronald Mares. “They didn't make everybody connected. They should have had one big assembly, or do it by grades.”

The assemblies also raised accusations of segregation from some students' parents.

"In this country, everybody is supposed to be treated equally. It sounds like racism to me," said Filipino parent Claddy Dennis, mother of freshman Schenlly Dennis.

Daisy Rodriguez, another parent, said she thought it was unfair.

“I think it would be much better if everybody gets together and helps each other,” Rodriguez said.

Some education experts said while the intention may have been good, separating students based on race could send the wrong message.

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