District completes student investigation into racist incident at Salinas High – Monterey Herald

[ad_1]

SALINAS – A total of 27 students have been identified as involved in the racist incident at Salinas High School which sparked an outcry on social media earlier this month, according to a statement from the Salinas Union High School District posted on Facebook Wednesday evening.

A community backlash erupted on August 21 as disturbing images and videos of Salinas high school students abusing a black doll named Shaniqua began circulating on social media. The doll was reportedly modified to fit racial stereotypes, including lips painted to appear larger, facial tattoos added, and a drawn ankle monitor. In a now-disabled Instagram account called shaniqua.shs, students from Salinas High were pictured posing with the racist doll.

The district’s investigation into student participation, which the district announced is now complete, has identified the culpable students through photos, videos and interviews. Of the students involved, 15 are Latino, nine are white, two are multiracial and one is African-American, the district revealed.

All of the students involved and their families have been met and the consequences have been given, according to the statement, which was signed by District Superintendent Dan Burns. The consequences included, but were not limited to, disciplinary action such as suspension and loss of extracurricular activities.

Besides discipline, the district also said that all students involved will be required to participate in anti-racism educational training.

The Salinas Union High School District noted that a student was responsible for purchasing the black doll, which was purchased at a local retail store, and the subsequent creation of the Instagram account. This student is not an athlete, cheering team member or African American, the district said.

While the investigation into student participation is complete, the district continues to investigate accusations of involving all staff members through an outside agency.

Going forward, the district will hire a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator to help foster an impartial and inclusive district free from discrimination, harassment and negative stereotypes towards any person or group. The hiring is part of the district’s larger plan to deliver on the promise of its SUHSD Black Lives Matter / Social Justice initiative, which calls on the district to eliminate racial prejudice and micro-aggression.

We recognize that these steps are just the beginning as we commit to working together to learn, heal, and implement positive change in our district and in our community, the district statement concludes.

[ad_2]