Students talk racism with new HISD superintendent

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Over a school lunch of grilled cheese and vegetables, new HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza heard students' concerns on their first day of the school year.

Carranza made stops at six schools Monday: Law Elementary, Stevenson Middle, Yates High, Carnegie Vanguard, Wisdom High and Fonwood Early Childhood Center.

WATCH: HISD's new superintendent visits 6 schools in 6 hours

Students at Carnegie Vanguard said they're concerned about racism and issues of equality. Sophomore Crystal Herrera described an incident that happened at a school festival.

"One of the students, he had an Israeli flag hung up, and I know that it was shredded," said Herrera. "So I guess, my concern would be that some kids are facing discrimination, and I think that's a problem we need to address."

Sophomore Charlotte Hunsche agreed.

"I hear racism and stuff every single day," said Hunsche. "People need to know more, they need to be educated about it so that we can prevent it."

Carranza said he was impressed by how candid these students were.

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"They were able to articulate that they're concerned about issues of equity and concerned about issues of access for them and their peers," said Carranza. "And they're concerned about and interested in finding out how students are prepared to be able to come to a school like Carnegie."

Crystal Herrera has a tall order for her new boss.

"Other schools are not as fortunate," said Herrera. "So I think we should figure out a way to give other schools the same opportunities that we have."

These students are interested in seeing how Carranza makes it happen.

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