NAACP confronts Connecticut school board about new ‘blackface incident’
Two white students suspended for only two days after photograph emerges of the girls in blackface
Dozens of Hartford locals and NAACP members gathered at Simsbury High School auditorium on Tuesday to address the school’s recent blackface incident.
Dozens of Hartford locals and NAACP members gathered at Simsbury High School auditorium on Tuesday to address the school’s recent blackface incident, along with other issues regarding diversity within the Connecticut school system.
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According to the Hartford Courant, members in the community wanted to know what actions the school board plans to take after a photo of two students appearing in blackface was posted on social media a few weeks back.
Based on the school’s current climate, many gathered to also discuss school discipline and expressed their hope that the school district will take required measures so similar events won’t take place in the future.
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According to Maxien Robinson-Lewin, NAACP Greater Hartford Branch president, the two white girls who were dressed in blackface were only given one day of in-school suspension. This punishment is similar to students who are late for several school days.
Robinson-Lewin said she hopes changes will be made and more will be done by the school district.
“I am hoping for the school district to look at the discipline for the two girls who appeared in blackface, also we need to have conversations about sensitivity training… and changing the climate and culture in the Simsbury community,” said Robinson-Lewin.
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The president said since blackface has been in the media a lot lately, she did not believe the girls were unaware of what they were doing.
Many members at the meeting agreed that racism has been found throughout various schools and such acts should be immediately addressed. Family members also brought up the issue of the lack of Black teachers in the district.
As a response, Superintendent Matt Curtis said there are many plans underway to address this incident.
“There is no room for hate in this conversation,” he informed attendees. He also said that he spoke to a lot of people to discuss “how this situation was handled or mishandled.”
As an effort to address immediate concerns, school officials, including administrators and staff held group discussions with students to hold conversations about race.
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Curtis said professional development on race, inclusiveness and cultural diversity will continue to take place. He also said that a full day of development will take place next month.
