Advocacy Groups Call for LAUSD Investigation Over Alleged Racism, Retaliation Against Black Educators

July 14, 2026

The Black Educator Advocates Network and the NAACP San Fernando Valley Branch are demanding an independent investigation into alleged systematic racial harassment and retaliation against Black educators within the Los Angeles Unified School District. These advocacy organizations claim that Black teachers and staff have been subjected to racial slurs from students both in classrooms and on virtual learning platforms, and when educators reported these incidents, they often faced retaliation from administrators instead of receiving support. Black educators formed a Hate Speech Task Force and have documented years of incidents dating back to at least 2020, presenting extensive evidence to district and state officials in recent meetings.

Who is affected

Black teachers and staff in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
Students who allegedly used racial slurs or were exposed to the hostile environment
Black Educator Advocates Network (BEAN) members
NAACP San Fernando Valley Branch members
School administrators accused of retaliation
LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gomez
LAUSD Chief of Human Resources Dr. Frank Serrato
Associate Superintendent Krista Murphy
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond

What action is being taken

The Black Educator Advocates Network and NAACP San Fernando Valley Branch are calling for an independent investigation
Educators are documenting racial harassment incidents through a Hate Speech Task Force
Advocates are gathering evidence and building support for policy reforms
The coalition is encouraging affected educators to confidentially report their experiences
Advocates are urging community members to sign a public letter supporting their demands
Board Member Kelly Gomez is working with educators on a school board resolution addressing racial hate speech and retaliation

Why it matters

This situation represents a systemic failure to protect Black educators from racial harassment and retaliation within one of the nation's largest school districts. The pattern of harassment creates a hostile work environment that not only harms Black teachers and staff but also reflects broader cultural issues that likely affect Black students as well. When educators who report discrimination face retaliation rather than support, it undermines the district's ability to maintain safe, equitable learning environments and perpetuates institutional racism. The lack of accountability and the district's claimed unawareness despite years of documentation suggests deep institutional problems that require structural reform to address racial justice in education.

What's next

Board Member Kelly Gomez has committed to requesting an investigation into the allegations
Kelly Gomez agreed to work with educators on developing a school board resolution addressing racial hate speech and retaliation
Advocates will continue gathering evidence and educator testimonies
Community members are being encouraged to participate in shaping the proposed school board resolution
The coalition plans to utilize their collective power to force the issue if structural reforms are not achieved

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint