PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Pittsfield High School students are keeping their heads up despite the the scandal that's embroiled the school.

Their ask? Think twice before making negative comments as an outsider.

"Right now, our school is going through, obviously, a lot but from what I have personally seen, I don't think our community has ever been stronger and I just don't think people are getting that," 10th-grader Benjamin Glockner said, reporting that it has been "negative after negative" when hearing from community members.

There was the usual feedback from residents at Wednesday's School Committee meeting but this time, it was matched by testimony from the young people who attend the school.

Student Jessmirac Perry said PHS has experienced its share of negativity "And unfortunately, a significant part of that has come in the form of racial comments and passive-aggressive behavior."

On Dec. 11, PHS Dean of Students Lavante Wiggins was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine. He was the first of three staff members to be put on administrative leave, the other two being investigated by the state Department of Children and Families. Another former staff member at PHS is also under DCF investigation and a civil complaint has been filed against a recently retired teacher and the school related to sexual harassment.

"Recently, I noticed how the arrest of Mr. Wiggins has been used as an example to make racial comments that target the Black community. For example, I overheard someone saying, 'Of course, Mr. Wiggins was dealing drugs. He's a Black man with a Maserati,'" Perry said.

"Yes, what Mr. Wiggins did was wrong but the comments like this go far beyond him as an individual. They hurt an entire community. They perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create an environment where students of color feel judged and unwelcome simply because of their race. No student should ever feel like they can't achieve their goals or that their potential is limited because of the color of their skin."