In a troubling incident at a Catholic school in New York, a white headmaster compelled a Black sixth-grade student to kneel while apologizing, according to the boy’s mother. Trisha Paul was shocked when her 11-year-old son, Trayson, recounted the events during a routine pickup last month.
Trayson had begun working on an assignment before his class had finished the previous lesson. When the teacher noticed, she tore up his work in front of his classmates, stating he hadn’t followed directions. Following this, Trayson was taken to the office of headmaster John Holian, who allegedly instructed him to kneel and apologize.
When Paul confronted Holian about the incident days later, he acknowledged his actions and referenced a Nigerian father who had employed similar punishment. “He seemed to think that because my child is Black, he should kneel too,” Paul, who identifies as Haitian American, expressed her disbelief. Holian reportedly claimed that an apology delivered while standing wouldn’t feel genuine.
Holian is currently on leave as the school investigates the situation. James Conway, the acting headmaster, reassured parents that the school does not endorse such behavior and that it contradicts their established values regarding student treatment.
This incident has left a lasting impact on Trayson. Initially confused about why he was treated differently due to his race, he has since become more withdrawn. In March, Paul decided to withdraw her son from the school and transition him to remote learning, stating, “He’s just hurt and humiliated.” She added that while an apology would be appreciated, it wouldn’t fully address the emotional toll the incident has taken on her child.
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Summary:
A white headmaster at a New York Catholic school forced a Black sixth grader to kneel while apologizing, leading to significant emotional distress for the child. The headmaster is currently on leave as the school investigates. The incident raises important questions about cultural sensitivity and the treatment of students in educational environments.
Keyphrase: Headmaster kneels Black student apology
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