My idea on the necessity for a conversation surrounding race at my school has drastically changed because of a former student named Davontae Pariani, a bright young student of color who turned to violence and drug-use after the social exclusion he experienced at my school. It is evident to me now that more direct dialogue surrounding race is imminent because the issue is bigger than Davontae Pariani; he is no different than me and other students of color. Although I have never experienced overt aggressions, that does not mean other of my peers of color have not. This is now an equally important concern for me in a school where people of color are a clear minority, because it is our job to stick together and protect ourselves from
