(KMJ) – The Fresno Unified School District releases the action it is now taking in the wake of a controversial photo posted to social media in May.
That photo, reportedly taken in the Bullard High weight room, involves three students and shows one wearing what some consider a white Klan-like hood.
Here is the response now being taken by FUSD:
Immediate discipline of students involved in posing and capturing the image
All students involved have been investigated and disciplinary action has been taken. We are unable to share any details of those disciplinary actions due to student privacy.
The enrollment of the involved students into cultural sensitivity training
Involved students will undergo a reentry process that includes cultural sensitivity learning.
The immediate discipline of staff members who were supervising students
An in-depth staff investigation is taking place by an external, unbiased investigatory firm. As results are being finalized, disciplinary actions are being taken. When appropriate cultural sensitivity training is also being assigned.
A formal address to all students from their principal on the culturally destructive nature of racism
The principal has taken several actions to address cultural destructiveness. This has included conducting staff meetings, providing written communication to all staff, addressing all students in a schoolwide announcement, and ongoing messages sent home to families. The principal has also met with BSU students and has been a part of brainstorming and planning with clubs, advisors, and affinity groups to dive into long-term planning around school culture.
The expanded enrollment of Ethnic Studies and other topical Ethnic Studies classes
Implementation of our newly designed Ethnic Studies courses is ongoing. Currently Ethnic Studies is offered at every comprehensive high school. Based on student interest, staffing is aligned. Fresno Unified is committed to implementing a graduation requirement of Ethnic Studies ahead of the state timeline.
Hiring of black faculty and administrators with the goal of at least a five-year retention
With the adoption of a new strategic plan in October of 2020, this is the first time the district has had a specific staff-focused goal, which is focused on our staffing better aligning with the demographics of our student populations. In that effort, the district has ongoing collaborations with higher education partners with a specific focus on the recruitment of BIPOC candidates. Affinity groups such as Men of Color in Educational Leadership (MCEL) and Black Women Educators United (BWEU) have been implemented and supported. Fresno Unified also receive a grant from the Wallace Foundation to develop our Equity Centered Pipeline Initiative, which focuses on recruiting, developing, promoting, and retaining leaders with an equity lens.
The implementation of a student governing board to assess the enforcement of anti-racist policies
District leaders have met to review and revise board policy to add a Race & Social Action Student Advisory Board (SAB) Member at our high schools. One Race & Social Action SAB Member will be elected to serve as a third student board member with our Board of Education. The district is also committed to relaunching the Student Voice Collaborative which meets with the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent on a quarterly basis.
