As a black student of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, I have been devastated by a racist, hate-driven social media post that was recently shared by a Dos Pueblos High School student. Through the San Marcos Black Student Union, I received the email that had been sent out by Dos Pueblos administrators regarding the post and was both enraged and disappointed by what I read.

The message sent out to the Dos Pueblos parents about the situation did not include any indication of punishment nor did it detail any consequences for the two students involved. Being that I am one of the few black students in this community, I just wanted to say that this is completely unacceptable. I will not tolerate the ignorance and disrespect I felt coming from the administration when I read the email, an email that did not include any information about the next steps that would be taken in response to this blatant act of racism.

I am outraged, hurt, disgusted, and, most importantly, I want justice.

Dos Pueblos High School and the Santa Barbara Unified District must take disciplinary action, whether through suspension or expulsion, and this action must be then broadcast throughout the school district. These students do not have the right to threaten and degrade others based on the color of their skin. The district’s mission is to educate "every child, every day" so they must fulfill their promise and educate their students on what is happening in our society today, and ensure that all students understand the implications of racist behavior. I urge them, as leaders, to take initiative, educate the community, and show both their support and their respect for the black members of our community. Please, be an ally.

Again, I am outraged, hurt, disgusted, and, most importantly, I WANT JUSTICE.

Please sign this petition to impose consequences on both of the students involved in this hate crime. Their targeted harassment of our grieving and suffering community during a time in which we are still fighting racism is deeply disturbing and must be dealt with appropriately.