The atmosphere at Richmond High is tense on Friday because the poster war has been raging for a week. Principal Green demands to know who defaced the photograph of Ethel L. Payne on the poster that Maya put up. Vincent accuses Devin, and the situation devolves into chaos with students shouting at one another. Someone yells the n-word, and the crowd goes silent. This is the first time that Maya has heard the word in person when the objective is “to communicate hate” (190). The word comes from the direction of Tony, Vince, and Bags. Cynthia’s friend Tasha accuses Tony of saying the slur, which he denies. Principal Green tells Devin to report to his office, but he refuses because the principal doesn’t say anything to the boys suspected of saying the slur.

The teachers hurriedly usher all of the students outside. Tony tries to take Maya’s hand, but she pulls away. He demands to know if she’s told anyone about them and if she believes the accusations against him. She explains that she didn’t want their relationship to be treated like a statement and that she believes both Tony and Devin are innocent.