Students Plan Walkout In Response To Racist Social Media Posts

NAUGATUCK, CT — Students at Naugatuck High School are planning a walkout at 12 noon on Tuesday in response to racist comments that were attributed to the teenaged daughter of the borough’s police chief and the school’s assistant principal, according to FOX 61.

The racist social media posts, which included multiple references to committing violence against Black people and racist comments, were shared online on Friday by local activists.

Naugatuck Police Chief Steven Hunt and Johnna Hunt, assistant principal at Naugatuck High School, issued a letter to community Saturday that confirmed the statements were made by their daughter two years ago when she was 13.

They said the statements, which were sent privately to a juvenile acquaintance, were “despicable in nature and inexcusable.”

“We condemn the comments made in these messages,” the statement reads in part. “In no way, shape or form do they reflect our hearts, minds or the love we have for all our neighbors in this inclusive community. These words do not represent the words spoken in our home or the values and lessons we have taught our children. We cannot soothe or erase the pain caused by the words and images seen by many. On behalf of our family, we sincerely apologize to all those who were hurt by this.”

FOX 61 reports a march involving the entire community is scheduled to take place Wednesday outside the high school starting at 12:30 p.m.

In the wake of the comments, Naugatuck High School operated on a modified schedule Monday with an “open campus” to give students time to talk with teachers and other “adult allies” in the building to talk about their “experiences, traumas, and needs as we seek to heal and rebuild,” according to Principal John Harris.

Harris said the school will also hold the “open campus” on Tuesday.

“Please know that these two days represent just the beginning of our response - both to the specific incident on Friday, and the ongoing racial inequities that exist at Naugatuck High School,” Harris wrote in a message on the school’s website.

Superintendent of Schools Christopher Montini also released the following message to the Naugatuck community in response to the incident:

In recent days, our Naugatuck Public School family has been shaken by hateful, discriminatory, and racist comments from a member of the student body that were released to social media. We’ve heard from members of our NPS Community who no longer feel safe, heard, or valued. In difficult times, like the one we are facing, we are reminded of the principles that guide us, the values that direct us, and the commitment we make to each and every student. Here, at Naugatuck Public Schools, our mission is to provide all of our students with high-quality academic, social and emotional learning experiences and supports that lead to all students becoming responsible citizens, researchers, innovators, informed thinkers, communicators, and problem solvers - the Vision of the Graduate. As we support our students in this endeavor, we must always model it. Today, we are called to address serious issues and allegations of racism and threats. Please know that any claim or incident of racism or threats within the NPS community are taken seriously and investigated fully.

As educators, we take the responsibility of creating and cultivating truly just and equitable schools seriously. NPS has taken many steps over recent years in our efforts to be equitable and inclusive, and we remain committed and motivated towards more. To be clear, we recognize that this is a long journey and yet, please know, that NPS guiding beliefs and principles serve as our foundation, anchoring us to shape our next steps and practices. I share some of our core beliefs that guide the Naugatuck Public Schools:

• We believe that a safe and healthy environment is a fundamental right for each and every student. NPS will continue to take the necessary action to create an environment where all students feel safe, celebrated, involved, and heard.
• We believe that the diversity of our school and greater community is both an asset and a gift.
• We believe that equity is a fundamental value necessary for a high-quality education and that all children can learn and achieve at high levels-especially when equity is infused into every aspect of education.
• We believe in the continuous improvement of every aspect of our organization, including achieving equity. This is an ongoing process of assessment, reflection, and improvement.
• We believe that we are at our best when all members of the Naugatuck Community are engaged stakeholders who collaborate and partner for the betterment of all of our students.

I assure you that NPS remains committed to affirming the value of diversity, cultivating equity and belonging, and condemning racist and discriminatory treatment. We will always investigate and those investigations are guided by facts, the dignity of each person, and the great responsibility we have to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This important and hard work will continue, informed by the beliefs and principles that guide us. And, in moments of challenge, uncertainty, hurt, pain, and anger, NPS will reflect, grow, act, and move forward, together as a community, committed to ensuring that each and every student is safe, celebrated, and valued.