NAACP ask KHSD to take action, after teacher allegedly calls student the N-word
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Before the Kern High School District Board meeting Monday night, Akadius Ashby, Vice President for the NAACP Bakersfield Branch listed 8 different recent instances they and local students and parents believe KHSD either didn't take action or did take action to something they shouldn't have for recent alleged racist-related occurrences.
"In March 2022, Centennial teacher, Miss Ferris used a racial slur, the N-word, towards a black student," Ashby, said. "Administration backed the teacher and the student's brother was suspended for the use of profanity towards Miss Ferris," Ashby, said.
Ashby said the Centennial administration threatened to expel and suspend students if they participated in a protest for what took place with Miss Ferris. He listed actions they want the board to make happen.
"Placing Miss Ferris on leave for causing a hostile environment and the use of racial slurs," Ashby, said. "We want Centennial's Principal to offer an apology to the family and the black students on campus for being subjected to racial slurs and insensitivity," Ashby, said.
He says they also want the Assistant Principal and teacher at Centennial to be formerly written up for their actions. Centennial student Jordyn Musser spoke to the board about what happened.
"Recently the teacher said the N word to my friends and I'm one of the students that went up to the office multiple times, I called the office multiple times and I got threatened to get expelled for speaking up for the kids at my school," Jordyn Musser, Senior at Centennial High School, said.
"I was basically silenced that day, that I couldn't speak about it, I couldn't post about it, couldn't stand up for myself, without getting expelled," Musser, said.
The NAACP also wants the district to enforce equity and inclusion training and for the suspension to be removed from Aaron Johnson's file at Centennial. Meanwhile, Kern High School District officials say they are still investigating.
