Probe continues at Dixon school
The Tri-City NAACP has released a statement regarding a case of racism reported at John Knight Middle School in Dixon, pledging to work with school officials toward the betterment of students.
“The Tri-City NAACP appreciates DUSD Superintendent Brian Dolan's swift action in condemning the post in a statement issued to parents and the community,” the statement began, adding praise for further investigation.
“The Tri-City NAACP's position is that when it comes to hate crimes in our public schools, we must eradicate them with appropriate disciplinary measures and not just a mere slap on the wrist. We must educate the historical wrongness of students' actions, which may often include parents, so that others don't repeat offensive actions,” wrote NAACP President Nikila Gibson. “To maximize students' learning while in school, we must adopt stronger and clearer policies and procedures, amplifying that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our schools by anyone. Otherwise, students will face maximum punishment.
“Moreover, should the district discover that the California Education Code for Student Discipline warrants revisions, we hope that school officials take swift action to make those changes.”
Earlier this month, Dolan spoke of an Instagram post made by a seventh-grade boy and uploaded during school hours that “is the most disgusting, disturbing, really hateful thing I've ever seen.”
The post contained a collage of photos featuring at least 23 students and the school's principal, all either Black or biracial. The header featured a racist epithet and mentioned Black History Month.
The student who uploaded the post has not returned to school. The investigations continues until all victims and suspects have been identified, Dolan has said, and full disciplinary action will be taken.
At a press conference, the superintendent spoke of the need to truly get to know each student, their backgrounds, their situations and then assessing their needs.
“We've done some things but we haven't done nearly enough,” he advised at the time, pledging more training for students and staff regarding diversity and inclusivity.
“The core of change here is really about justice and equity and decency,” he has said. “We haven't taught people explicitly enough how to do these things.”
On Friday, Dolan said officials “continue to meet with students and families to address things, and are planning some of the longer term, programmatic work we'll be doing.”
The district is also working with the Solano County Office of Education.
A peaceful protest scheduled is set for 8 a.m. Tuesday fronting the school. Students and staff will be involved and families may also be participating.