I am a parent to a beautiful 9-year-old girl who has been a victim of racial discrimination for the last 4 years at Shands Elementary School, Mesquite, TX. Over these years, her own peers have consistently targeted her with racist slurs and derogatory comments, resulting in emotional trauma. Despite this, school administrators continue to trivialize the issue, naively expecting it will resolve on its own. However, this pressing issue has escalated, not resolved.

Our daughter, like every other child, deserves an educational environment free from prejudice and racism. It is devastating to see the ignorance of those in authority, who are supposed to shield our children from such damaging experiences, yet fail to take direct action against racism in their school.

Statistics reveal that students who experience racial discrimination are more likely to have decreases in academic performance, often leading to absenteeism and increased high school dropout rates (source: American Psychological Association). This underscores the urgency for schools to establish a comprehensive policy that punishes racial abuse promptly and decisively.

We are proposing a specific change: immediate expulsion for 30 days for anyone using racial slurs or derogatory terms towards another student or teacher. This firm stance will send a clear message that our district does not tolerate racism and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

We appeal to the administration, particularly the principal and assistant principal of Shands Elementary School, to be less lax and address this grave issue with the urgency it demands. Our children’s education and mental wellbeing are at stake.

Stand with us, protect our children, and let's make the Mesquite District Schools a haven for all students, regardless of their race. Please sign this petition to show your support for implementing immediate expulsion as a part of the anti-racism policy in our district's schools.