The Davis Joint Unified School District in Northern California is on high alert following the discovery of racist graffiti on the exterior wall of the classroom of a Black teacher at Korematsu Elementary School.
Officials in the city of Davis expressed deep concern, as the incident has left the Black teacher in a state of distress.
The teacher, Nikki Shannon Smith, says the district mishandled communication regarding the incident, including not sending top officials to talk to her about her safety. She also notes no one told her about the vandalism until hours later.
In an email to the parents in the district, sent out on Wednesday, Dec. 13, Superintendent Matt Best addressed the bigotry, which was reported to the Davis Police Department immediately after officials were made aware. The perpetrator reportedly scribbled the N-word.
“This targeted act of hate has caused fear and anxiety, especially among teachers, staff, and students of color. We are saddened and outraged by this senseless, racist act; hate has no place in DJUSD, or anywhere in our community,” Best said, according to the Davis Vanguard.
“Due to the direct targeting of Black students, staff, and community members, and in recognition of an increased need for prompt streamlined and appropriate responses, DJUSD is developing a hate incident and vandalism protocol that will be used consistently across all sites and departments to ensure we are responding to each event sufficiently and in ways that respect the unique experiences and needs of those who are most affected,” Best continued.
The California school is predominantly white (48.5 percent), with an African-American population of 3.2 percent.
Smith had no idea about the vandalism until later in the day when she received an “all staff” email. She said she was “appalled” by the district’s response to the graffiti, according to Davis Enterprise.
“I am the only Black teacher at my school,” Smith…
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