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Community speakers urge SFUSD to protect Black students after racist texts; dispute over James Lick liaison appointment surfaces
Summary
Dozens of public commenters condemned racist text attacks targeting Black students and criticized a district staff placement at James Lick Middle School described as not representative of the community; NAACP and faith leaders demanded protective action and clearer communication from the district.
At a packed public‑comment period, community leaders, parents and students urged the San Francisco Board of Education to act after racist text messages circulated locally and nationally and to address local staffing decisions they say undermine trust.
Rev. Brown, speaking for the NAACP, described the incident as a racial assault against Black people and applauded Superintendent Dr. Maria Su for an immediate response and outreach: "She responded immediately and reached out to the NAACP and said, we must work together," Brown said, adding that the district cannot "sweep it on the rug." (public comment, Rev. Brown).
Speakers repeatedly pressed the board about an appointment at James Lick Middle School. Multiple commenters — including Anna Aviles and representatives of local NAACP branches — said a woman placed as an "African American family liaison" does not have the lived experience community members expect. "Josephine does not belong anywhere near our students," Aviles said during public comment, adding she had sought data from the principal about how the liaison had connected with Black students and had not received it. NAACP youth advisor Cheryl Thornton also told the board the appointment was "harmful to Black children at San Francisco Unified School District."
Student speakers also raised national policy fears tied to "Project 2025," asking the board to guarantee protections for LGBTQ students, access to free meals and preservation of Black history curriculum. Taina Sims said she wanted "certainty that our education at SFUSD will not be tampered with by the new leaders of America." Jasmine Morris warned that proposed changes would "erase essential topics from our curriculum," and appealed for protections for women’s and LGBTQ rights.
Other callers urged the district to publicly restore trust after the recent RAI (school closure/merger) process, asked for more transparent school modernization planning and requested a transitional kindergarten (TK) class at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy to help rebuild enrollment and community confidence.
Board members acknowledged the public concern and noted limits on board responses during public comment while encouraging follow‑up through other forums; staff emphasized the district would provide additional opportunities for engagement.
