We contemplated the two Eagle & Journal articles by Coronado High School students Edie Alicandri and Cailey Song who shared their experience of racial and ethnic harassment, and felt compelled to respond to the community at large.
For more than a decade, many brave Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) students have spoken up about racism and harm through media interviews and news articles, peaceful marches, and protests. They have shared their painful stories on social media and created public art opposing racism. They have spoken at CUSD board meetings and special committees and have been a part of lawsuits and reports to authorities and have met with police. They have mourned two students who died by suicide and supported trans students who experienced violence. For six years, students and parents have also reached out to us with similar stories.
It saddens us that CUSD does not appear to have an effective structure and supportive culture that reduces this harm or addresses students’ cries for help.
Once again, we ask the community to stay aware, to keep learning, and to ensure our elected officials and CUSD hear students’ voices and take action.
InclusioNado is a Coronado 501c3 nonprofit.
