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Justice for Amiir Horton media

Justice for Amiir Horton

Help support Amiir Horton against Cherry Creek Schools and its racist discriminatory behavior.
October 4th, 2023


Cherry Creek Schools is up to it again with its racist and discriminatory behavior. At the same time, it continues to provide fuel for the school-to-prison pipeline. District leadership told my family and me that expulsion isn't meant to be a bad thing, nor a label placed on a kid. As white administrators, they never understand how and what those words imply in the black and brown community. This implicit bias thinking explains why in 2021-2022, CCSD expelled 120 students of color versus APS had 59, DPS 19, Jeffco 68, Harrison 5, Colorado Springs 41, and overall, the state had 599 compared to its white counterparts of 39 CCSD, APS 0, DPS 0, Jeffco 30, Colorado Springs 17, Harrison 0, and Douglas who had 8. The state had 304 white students expelled (Suspension/Expulsion Statistics for 2021-2022 | CDE (state.co.us)). How do Blacks and Hispanics make up roughly 20% to 25% of the state's population according to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Colorado, but our kids have some of the highest expulsions, suspensions, and referrals to law enforcement? This is all according to CDE's Colorado Education Statistics on Suspensions/Expulsion Statistics.

Cherry Creek School District expelled Amiir Horton from Smoky Hill High School on June 7th, 2023.  After engaging in a mutual fight, this was their response to the issue of two students, Amiir, African American, and EJ, White. School administrators concluded that Amiir Horton was the aggressor. They even fabricated a story about a supposed knife to his person and tried to put DPS in the mix. They later recanted this story but kept it in the written narrative. Please note that Amiir has been in Cherry Creek since 2012, when he started kindergarten. He's only had about 3-4 discipline issues in his educational career. 

When the video and witness statements were reviewed, the School District's findings contradicted their rationale for their determination and decision to expel Amiir. Further, the recantation of this finding was supported by statements made by Smokey Hill representatives during a telephone call on August 26, 2023, regarding the character of Amiir.  It was noted that Amiir has terrific manners, is respectful, and is perceived as a leader among his fellow students, as evidenced by 1) His standing up for other students and 2) his Active participation in explaining issues that need to be resolved. 

Amiir has been clinically diagnosed with ADHD since elementary school. While he has struggled with his disability for years, help was not provided until last year when his mother was finally informed of her rights to have Amiir tested.  While the request was made for such was ignored at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.  The demand for testing around this challenge was consistently made even during expulsion; it was not provided until most recently.  Amir's IEP doesn’t reflect his learning and social-emotional needs. Amiir did not get intervention for his diagnosed condition, which he suffered from since elementary and CCSD did nothing to help support him.

Amiir’s family was required to relocate over the summer of 2023.  To find affordable housing, Tieda Younger had to choose to relocate to a location without access to public transportation.  For this reason, the family attempted to enroll Amiir in the Aurora Public School system.  However, due to the expulsion, he was prohibited from attending school in the Aurora School District.   The successful transfer of Amiir’s three younger brothers was also suspended for two weeks due to this situation.   

While CCSD had offered Amiir an opportunity to return to Smoky Hill for readmission on the first day, the offer was made with a 24-hour time frame to decide.  His mother needed more time to resolve transportation issues to make a responsible decision.  When this was not granted, and with guidance from our legal counsel, the resolution was declined, with a request for more time.  CCSD’s response was to rescind the original offer and require Amiir to re-enter through the Expulsion Program for CCSD.  We are convinced this is not the best course of action.  It saddens me that this situation has disrupted the family’s life and capacity to receive a relevant education.  I want to go on the record, as Amiir’s uncle, having spoken directly to him regarding what he believes he needs the following:

-       Amiir wants to go to Smoky Hill as it is his junior year.

-       Amiir wants to attend Smoky Hill to continue his extra-curricular activities as a basketball and football player.

-       Amiir wants to go back to Smokey Hill because his friends are there.

-       Amiir is a natural leader and an asset to the school student body.

The family never wanted to refuse the offer.  They merely wanted more time to make a viable decision that would optimally benefit Amiir.  The family has concluded that going to Smokey Hill as a regular student would be in its best interest of Amiir.  Also, instead of putting him on an Expulsion track, he needs an IEP protocol to address his special needs, which will certainly not be provided through the Expulsion Program.

We are soliciting your support in the following ways:    

1)    Contacting News Outlets

2)    Expressing concern to the CCSD Board

3)    Sign petition in support of Amiir

4)    Join us on September 8, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. for the appeal process.

We may follow up with you regarding this issue.  Also, don't hesitate to contact me with your questions. I appreciate your consideration.

Christian Caldwell, M.S. 
President and CEO of MBSK Colorado / Proud Uncle of ten Black and Brown Nieces and Nephews in Colorado schools.

#justiceforamiir #justiceforblack&brownyouthinccsd #justiceforblack&brownyouthincolorado