Photo: Getty Images
Black students at a Fresno school district are again being attacked by racist images and social media accounts.
The Black Student Unions (BSU) at Bullard and Edison high schools have found multiple accounts blasting racist imagery surrounding Black violence, slavery, and Jim Crow alongside unconsented photos of Fresno Unified Black students.
According to the Fresno Bee, leaders of the BSU addressed the harassment at a news conference on Monday (May 9).
Rayven Few, a Fresno Unified student, said, “It shouldn’t be on students to take charge, educate, call out racism and enforce policies that have been made in our favor." Few continued, “However, we will hold you accountable.”
The Fresno Bee declined to publish the social media posts due to their racist and violent imagery.
In a separate incident last week, photos surfaced of a student wearing a garment similar to a Ku Klux Klan hood in the Bullard High School weight room. After the picture was spread on social media, hundreds of Fresno Unified students staged walkouts and protests last Friday (May 6).
At Monday's news conference, students also expressed disappointment with the school's response to the Bullard incident.
“Walking into Bullard’s campus (Monday) felt as if none of the teachers really cared about my feelings,” Elana Henderson said. “None of the teachers pulled me aside and asked me how I was feeling.”
Alongside Black Student Union leaders, Fresno Unified Trustee Keshia Thomas called on Superintendent Bob Nelson to stand with Black students and implement better policies to protect students of color from the continued racist attacks.
Thomas said at the news conference, “The children of Fresno Unified School District have been traumatized enough. It is past time that we address this issue.”
District officials said the incidents are still under investigation.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.