LOS ANGELES, CA — Public school officials in Los Angeles have passed a resolution to crack down on racial hate speech after multiple reports of students calling Black teachers the N-word, it was reported Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education unanimously approved Board Member Karla Griego's resolution at its Tuesday night meeting. It calls for counseling for students related to the N-word and other hate speech, and training for staff on responding to and reporting such incident.
Staff was directed to report back to the board in March on the progress made.
"I bring this resolution forward as our most vulnerable communities, such as immigrant, Black, and LGBTQ+ individuals, face targeted and hostile socio-political rhetoric that fuels hate incidents and compromises the safety of our students, families and staff," Griego said. "Given the surge in hate crimes across our neighborhoods, it is our duty to reinforce our schools as secure sanctuaries and protective havens for all. Intimidation, harassment, and bullying fueled by hate speech and racial slurs will not be tolerated within our public schools."
According to the Los Angeles Times, recent incidents include the offensive slur being written on one teacher's classroom wall for five consecutive years, another teacher's inbox containing the message: "I really hate you, [N-word]. Black is ugly, and so are you," and another teacher who suspended a student for shouting the word four times, only to see the principal send the student back to the classroom with no consequences.
]"I've heard loud and clear from my Board District 6 community about the need for further action to ensure that we are combating anti-Black hate," Board Member Kelly Gonez said. "I appreciate the Black educators in my Board District 6 who have been working in partnership for many months, so we could bring this resolution. I am committed to providing a safe school environment for our Black students, families, and educators, and our entire school community."
LAUSD Superintendent Andrés Chait issued the following statement: "Hate speech, harassment, and discrimination have no place in our schools. Fostering a culture of respect, inclusion and belonging is not only a personal priority, but a reflection of the values at the very heart of Los Angeles Unified."
City News Service
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Los Angeles Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.