The Long Beach Unified School District is investigating a teacher accused of sharing an image depicting a Black child wearing an ankle monitor as if it were a package for a children’s toy.
According to the Long Beach Post, the image was shared in a group chat involving members of the teachers’ union bargaining team in May. The message accompanying the image read, “We need this for our runners!”
Teachers who spoke to the Post said “runners” is a derogatory term for special education students who tend to wander off.
State Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) called the post “racist” and “horrendous” in a statement calling for the district to investigate the matter.
The Teachers Association of Long Beach initiated its own investigation. However, according to the Post, the district initially did not, saying it fell outside its scope of authority.
Based on a statement to KTLA on Thursday, the district has apparently reversed course.
“The Long Beach Unified School District does not condone conduct that is disrespectful, discriminatory, or harmful,” the statement read, in part. “We take concerns seriously and follow established policies and procedures in addressing them. The district is investigating this matter; personnel matters are confidential, and we cannot comment on individual employee situations.”
The teacher, who works at MacArthur Elementary School, is still employed and actively teaching. According to the Post, the teacher claims their phone was hacked.
“The district remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory learning and working environment for all students and staff,” the LBUSD statement read.
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