The day – Old racist student social media posts come back to haunt East Lyme schools

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East Lyme – Racist social media posts from years past have been resurrected by high school students, which has contributed to a culture of online bullying, according to East Lyme High School administrators.

And at least one video circulating on social media shows that the harassment is not limited to the Internet.

The principal and deputy principals in a letter on Thursday called on families to stand in solidarity against racism, as well as online harassment of students who have posted “racist social media posts” in the past.

Superintendent of Schools Jeff Newton told The Day that the resurrection of old messages – which he said were already “dealt with and dealt with” – is “a form of harassment because it goes back and forth. social networks “.

The directors in their letter said recirculation of messages and online harassment will not be tolerated and is being addressed.

“We cannot fix the Internet and we cannot eradicate racism,” the letter said. “We can, however, ask you to partner with us in creating a kinder, more inclusive and more mature school community.”

Newton said the harassment was limited to the internet. When asked whether or not there had been bullying in the school itself, he repeated that he had only heard of bullying on social media.

“I can’t speak if a student said something to another student in the hallway. That I don’t know,” he said.

A message circulated among students on the social media platform Snapchat shows a past comment attributed to a current student with statements such as “segregation existed for a reason,” “Black people are insignificant just because they are black “and” I don’t care about black people, and that’s just the truth. “

Newton said he heard of the resurrection of two “racist” posts, but warned there could be more.

In a video circulating among the students, a female student behind the camera can be heard approaching a toilet stall while searching for a female student with the same name associated with the racist post. When a girl, who is white, in the booth confirmed that was her name, the girl behind the camera threw liquid at her and retreated amid a chain of curses.

“Don’t ever show your (expletive) face in this school again, bruh. Kill yourself, bruh. Literally die. Like, you’re a stupid (expletive) (sexist insult). Like, cry about it, bruh,” a said the girl who threw out the liquid, which is not visible in the video. His race is unclear.

Newton said he had heard that a video or two was being released, but hadn’t seen any and didn’t know the details. He said he usually leaves it up to the administration to handle situations – “and if I need to get involved, then I get involved”.

He said the administration is looking after “a few students”, but he did not provide a specific number. Disciplinary actions for online comments and harassment are handled on a case-by-case basis and “there is not a specific discipline that would occur in any of these given situations,” according to Newton.

High school administrators in their letter to parents said the school community should cultivate “a school culture where all students feel safe” and can learn without distractions.

“We will not create this type of community if we meet hate with harassment,” they wrote. “We need mature thinkers, lawyers and leaders to help us solve these problems.”

On September 11, a focus group presented an audit of the racial climate in East Lyme public schools which found that at least a quarter of the community is ready to take the necessary steps to counter racism and advance the diversity.

The Equity Institute of Providence, RI, study included recommendations to help the district create policies and practices “that raise historically silenced voices, shift the imbalance of power and privilege, and ensure equitable outcomes.” for all learners ”.

The Education Council’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion was born at the behest of the core group SCORE, known at the time as East Lyme for Black Lives Matter. The group emerged after the death of George Floyd, pinned by the neck below the knee of then-Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin.

Nickie Padilla, one of SCORE’s directors and candidate for the Education Council, said on the phone Thursday that the incidents showed the equity audit was “a necessary step” and that her recommendations should be seriously taken into account. account.

“This only adds to our determination in the work that we do, and we continue to move forward because we recognize that East Lyme has a lot of healing to do when it comes to racial issues,” she declared.

She suggested using restorative practices, instead of punishments such as suspensions or expulsions, to bring those who suffer harm together with those responsible for the harm.

“It can be a great way to bridge the understanding gap and bring the two parties closer together, because what we’re really looking for is unity, fairness, inclusion. We’re not looking to go our separate ways. “she said.

Padilla questioned the administration’s claim that it cannot eradicate racism.

“We created racism. It is a social construct,” she said. “If we created it, then we can dismantle it.”

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