A Diablo View Middle School student is accused of bringing cotton balls to school to mock Black History Month celebrations. According to KTVU FOX 2, the incident, which Mt. United Diablo School District Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark called “racist,” was communicated to parents in a letter.
Clark stated that the cotton balls brought by the student were distributed among students at the school as a “joke.” Clark also stated that several students took part in the stunt. And, while the student accused of bringing the cotton balls was disciplined, the nature of the punishment was not revealed.
“Unfortunately, we as school and District leaders missed a crucial opportunity to turn this bullying and racist incident into a learning opportunity. I will remedy that omission. “However, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students,” Clark said.
The superintendent also stated that the incident does not reflect the district’s values. He stated that they are attempting to combat bullying in “all forms.”
“We have to directly address and reject all forms of offensive and divisive behavior within our school communities…I encourage all parents to talk to your students about what kinds of language/actions are acceptable at school…as we work to address this offensive event, safe conversations can take place to prevent any student from feeling unwelcome or intimidated within our schools,” Clark said.
According to reports, the incident occurred about two weeks ago. However, school district leaders were informed about it last week, according to KRON. “My concern was for the students who had to go through eight days knowing that their school administration did not have their back,” Councilmember Holly Tillman said.
Tillman, who was joined by a group of parents, activists, children, and neighbors, also stated that the other students who distributed the cotton balls should face disciplinary action as well.
“To me, it had been swept under the rug. I get that people were suspended, which I don’t approve of really, because what are they going to do, go outside and play?” Tillman said.
Recently, a high school student in Orange County, California, was disciplined after making “inflammatory racist comments” toward a Black basketball player during a game, according to the Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD).