Kentucky Catholic School considering taking action against teen who harassed Native American

The Diocese of Covington Catholic High in Kentucky is considering to expelling the teens who harassed a Native American Elder while wearing a MAGA hats-shirts and hoodies. Other supporters at The Indigenous Peoples March were disgusted by teen’s behavior and disrespect. Kaya Taitano another supporter at march, says the teens were in his face chanting things like “Build The Wall, Trump 2020” she says it did not feel safe in the circle. Taitano says that it was obvious what school they attended because of the uniforms they were wearing. Nathan Phillips an Elder in the Omaha tribe was singing a healing prayer and playing his drum trying to calm the crowd. The teens began mocking him and laughing at Mr. Phillips. Nathan Phillips a Vietnam Veteran who served from 1972-1976 is a former director of Native Youth Alliance and has an annual ceremony honoring Native American Veterans in Arlington National Cemetery. Mr.Phillips says “I was scared, I was worried for my young friends. I don’t want to cause harm to anyone “and then he proceeds to say “I don’t like the word hate. I don’t even like saying it but, it was hate unbridled. It was like a storm”. The crowd continues chanting as Phillips and one of the teens stand face to face. What the young man was doing was blocking my escape. I wanted to leave. I was thinking ‘How do I get myself out of this’ I wanted to get away from it” says Phillips. Kaya Taitano says the standoff proceeded to happen until a chaperone from the school escorted the kids away. The Diocese of Covington Catholic High gave a statement to CNN affiliate WLWT spokeswoman Laura Keener saying “We condemn the actions of the Covington Catholic High School students toward Nathan Phillips specifically, and Native Americans in general, Jan 18 after the March for Life in Washington D.C. We extend our deepest apologies to Mr.Phillips. This behavior is opposed to the Church’s teachings on dignity and respect of the human person. “The matter is being investigated and we will take appropriate action, up to and including explosion. We know this incident also has tainted the entire witness of the March for Life and express our most sincere apologies to all those who attended the March and all those who support the pro-life movement.

Written by Marcia Hill