A group of Asian-American students who were boycotting classes at South Philadelphia High School after racially-motivated attacks will be back in class on Wednesday.
An end to the eight-day protest came after students and leaders from the Asian-American community met face-to-face with Philadelphia Public School Supt. Arlene Ackerman Tuesday.
"Through our trials and struggles, we pushed the school to hear us. We have made change by standing together. We are proud of what we have done," the students said in a statement following the two hour meeting. "If something happens again after all this, we know that we have strong wills and we will stand together again."
More than 30 students said they felt unsafe to return to the high school at Broad Street and Snyder Avenue after a series of attacks -- which culminated with a Dec. 3 melee in the halls.
The students claimed they were attacked without warning, but an investigation by school officials revealed the Dec. 3 brawl was in retaliation for an attack on a disabled African-American student.
A dozen students were eventually suspended for their part in the fight.
Both sides were originally at odds over a sit down. Ackerman wanted the students to come back to Southern High to discuss their issues, but the students refused. Some students abandoned the boycott and returned to school on Tuesday.
When the students return to school Wednesday, they will be greeted by four new security officers -- including one who speaks fluent Cantonese. The district will also install over 60 cameras on school grounds and continue with an independent investigation into the incidents.
