One racist down, two to go.

Regarding the Chinese students being assaulted, there has been new developments. One of three young people charged in connection with violent attacks on Chinese students in Saint John has changed his plea to guilty. The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has pleaded guilty to assault and possession of a dangerous weapon. He will be back in court for sentencing on Sept. 27.

As for 19-year-old Jonathan Clifford Martin from Quispamsis - he appeared in court Thursday to set a trail date but it was adjourned because he still does not have a lawyer. He is charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace and damaging a bus shelter by painting a racial epithet on it. He was remanded back to jail until next Tuesday to see if his Legal Aid application has been approved.

Let’s hope that this small act of justice will not go unnoticed by the students. I am sad that this has happened to them in my city; however, it is now up to us to show them that racism is not acceptable and that we will not stand by while this goes on.