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Healing Justice and students urge stronger action after racial slurs; propose restorative learning packet
Summary
Representatives from Healing Justice Santa Barbara and students told the board the district must pair consequences with meaningful education when racial slurs occur and recommended a restorative learning packet to teach the history and harm of slurs.
Representatives of Healing Justice Santa Barbara and several student speakers used public comment time at the April 28 Santa Barbara Unified board meeting to call for more consistent district responses to racial slurs and anti‑Black harassment.
Faith Kingsbury (representing Healing Justice) and Simone Reskamp (cofounder and executive director) thanked district leaders for partnership but said Black students continue to report incidents where they receive little or no follow‑up. Faith Kingsbury recommended the district create a restorative learning packet to be used when students engage in hate‑based behaviors; the packet would include historical context, readings, reflection prompts and assessments to pair meaningful education with disciplinary responses.
Why it matters: Commenters asked the board to ensure that the burden of educating peers does not fall to Black students who report harassment. They requested clearer accountability and consistent implementation so students see tangible follow‑up rather than only filling out reports.
District response: Staff thanked Healing Justice for the partnership and described existing supports (Black Student Alliance programming, chaperoned college trips, and partnership activities). Presenters acknowledged reports that specific cases were not getting timely follow‑up and said staff want to improve tracking and response procedures so that discipline is paired with education and supports.
Next steps: Healing Justice asked to partner with the district in developing restorative learning materials; trustees expressed interest in ensuring that training and follow‑up are consistent across sites.
