During a recent government meeting, a student representative from Booker T. Washington High School voiced serious concerns regarding the leadership of Principal Dion Garner. Accompanied by fellow student Precious White, the speaker addressed a gathering that included parents, students, staff, and alumni, emphasizing the need for accountability and integrity within the Norfolk public school system.

The student criticized what they described as \"mischievous decisions\" and \"unethical agendas\" under Garner's administration, asserting that their protests, particularly during a spring concert, were a response to these issues. The protests led to the suspension of the two students, although they successfully appealed the disciplinary action. The speaker recounted a tense meeting with Principal Garner, where they felt dismissed and unsafe, highlighting a lack of professionalism from the new principal.

The student expressed their commitment to restoring integrity within the school and called for the reinstatement of choir director Odell Zeigler, whom they praised for his dedication to students and music education. They argued that the current leadership undermines both teacher support and student voices, raising concerns about the overall educational environment at the school.

This testimony reflects broader issues of governance and accountability in educational institutions, as the student urged the Norfolk public school system to hold all individuals, including principals, to the same standards of conduct. The meeting underscored the importance of student perspectives in shaping school policies and leadership practices.