Woodlands Board Hears Racism Claims From Hispanic Community

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Members of the Hispanic community in The Woodlands crowded a recent Woodlands Township meeting to express their concerns about what they believe is an emergence of racism.

More than 100 people showed up at the March 22 meeting to share concern that they are now beginning to feel excluded and that their culture seems to be less accepted than before. (Sign up for Patch’s daily newsletter for your neighborhood.)

Perla Soto, A Woodlands resident for seven years who, in the past had trumpeted the community’s acceptance of Hispanics and other cultures into the Woodlands, said she and her family plan to move this summer.

Soto said while there are several reason behind the move, their main reason is that they simply don’t feel welcome in The Woodlands any longer.

Others indicated their children were taunted at Conroe ISD schools with comments of “build that wall,” and “go back where you came from.”

Conroe ISD Communications Director Sarah Blakelock said there were no reported incidents such as those shared during the meeting, and the district takes bullying very seriously.

As a result of those concerns and those brought in recent weeks to the board, The Woodlands Township board of directors issued a proclamation supporting diversity in The Woodlands community, and there are plans to form a diversity inclusion board, to ensure the entire community is heard and appreciated.

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