The racist post-election text messages being sent to Black students around the country have also targeted some New Haven students, according to school district leaders.
New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) spokesperson Justin Harmon confirmed that students at Hillhouse and two other public high schools have reported receiving those concerning text messages.
“We anticipate we may hear more,” Harmon said, and noted that the police have been alerted. He said NHPS is offering support to the affected students.
In a Friday email sent to Hillhouse community members at around 9 a.m, Principal Antoine Billy said, “There is a targeted group of students throughout the state receiving text messages asking specific groups of young people to report to a plantation with a random address.”
He encouraged staff to send any impacted students in need of support to a school social worker or to the school’s therapeutic room. “They are prepared to receive students who receive this message of hate,” he concluded.
While the texts being reported by news outlets and social media posts across the country slightly vary in wording, they include a call to “pick cotton” at a plantation, and to be ready — some include a time and date, some do not — with their belongings to be picked up in a van by “slave catchers.” Some mention Donald Trump, some specify a “plantation group” the recipient is a part of.
Some say to “be prepared and ready to pick diligently.”
The Independent did not obtain a copy of a New Haven-specific text message by this article’s publication.
Below is the full message sent to families from Supt. Madeline Negrón on Friday:
Dear Parents and/or Guardians,
We have become aware that some of our high school students have reported receiving racist and hateful text messages over the past two days. Incidents of such texts have been reported across the nation. Federal, state, and local authorities are investigating the source. As your superintendent, I unequivocally condemn these messages and the hateful sentiments they express.
Our school district prides itself on being a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their race, background, or beliefs. These messages stand in stark contrast to our core values of respect, diversity, and unity. Hate has no place in our schools, and we must collectively work to ensure that our community reflects these principles.
We ask that any student who has received such a message to report it to the school office. This will allow us to offer support to students and keep the New Haven police informed.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Dr. Madeline Negrón
Superintendent