Black Lives Matter in Vermont says racism is causing too many black student suspensions in Burlington schools

Is racism a problem in Vermont schools? The state's chapter of Black Lives Matter is on a mission to educate others.



"We're proving that it exists in our school systems," said Ebony Nyoni, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Vermont. "It's time to look at the systems that have been oppressing people for hundreds of years and to work towards changing them."



Organizers of Wednesday night's community information session said while only 15 percent of students in Burlington school district are black, they account for 32 percent of suspensions.



Burlington School District data showed students of color were almost three times more likely to be suspended than their white peers.



"The issue of these disparities is not in dispute. I mean, it's a reality that we have. And my focus is, OK, what do we do about it?” Burlington School District Superintendent Yaw Obeng said.



Obeng added that the issue was personal.



"I was a student of color, and, you know, I hope I can be a voice for those students in terms of what their needs are. But at the same time, we need to look at a strategy that includes all our community partners," he said.



Black Lives Matter Vermont told NBC5 they want to see restorative practices replace suspension policies by next school year.



The Burlington School District wrote in an email that they are committed to this transition, but it's unclear when this will start.