A Massachusetts school is currently under fire after students reportedly endured racist bullying in a “slave auction” on Snapchat. And the school’s response is only making things worse, drawing ire from some in the community.
Allyson Lopez is a parent of one of the alleged victims of bullying. Her daughter was reportedly bid on in the online auction, and she had words for the school authorities after.
“It has become glaringly evident that there is a serious lack of understanding and commitment among the administrative leadership to ensure the safety and well-being of all students because of their race and or ethnicity,” Lopez told local outlet WWLP.
According to her, meeting with district administrators left her “profoundly disillusioned” despite her hopes for “meaningful change.” The school in question is Southwick Regional School, which educates students in grades 7-12.
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The controversy rattled the school as the online incident led students to complain about derogatory bullying. The local NAACP even took it up, intervening on behalf of a Black student. He claimed he was subject to racially insensitive language and behavior in addition to the “online slave auction.”
“How can an investigation regarding the bullying and harassment of a student not include communication with the victim?” Bishop Talbert Swan, the president of Greater Springfield NAACP, wrote in a letter to the district superintendent.
Local media reported that Swan made a complaint to the school on the student’s behalf. Reports claim that the investigation into the incident has ended, even though they did not interview the student.
Local reports also highlighted students returning to class after winter break on Monday will meet increased police presence. This is apparently to help foster feelings of safety and security.
Students will also have to attend an assembly “for open dialogue, support, and guidance on navigating challenging situations both inside and outside of school,” Superintendent Jennifer Willard said in a statement published by WWLP.
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Willard wrote about the incident at length in the statement, additionally assuring the community. “We are committed to providing additional resources to educate both our staff and students on relevant topics. We will be enlisting external experts to lead discussions, offer training, and equip our school community with the necessary tools to address similar situations in the future.”
She continued, “Maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment is of utmost importance. We encourage open communication and collaboration as we work together to address these challenges and fortify our community.”
In Lopez’s own statement to the outlet, she mentioned how the incident affected her daughter. She said her role as a mother is to support her through the trauma.
“The recent revelation of an online slave auction, orchestrated by individuals within the student body, is not only abhorrent but indicative of a systemic failure within our school district to address and eradicate racism,” Lopez said, according to WWLP.
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Lopez believes any child or group of children who can do such things need help and quickly. Superintendent Willard and Principal Serena Shorter have been taking additional measures following the incident. They have both been holding meetings with specific groups – students and staff and affected families.
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