Zero tolerance for racist text messages and policies

When news came that the racist text messages being sent to young Black people across the country had shown up in Connecticut it was chilling, but no surprise. The vicious and divisive messages that Trump delivered at his campaign rallies have embolden those with racist intent.

At Hillhouse High School in New Haven the messages telling young people to report for duty “at the nearest plantation to pick cotton” were traumatic. The principal acted swiftly to make counselors available to any students in need of support.

School superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón issued a message to parents. “I unequivocally condemn these messages and the hateful sentiments they express,” she said. “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.”

When the messages were received in Bloomfield the FBI was called in to investigate. The cell phone messages are being sent in a way that hides the identity and location of the sender.

Bloomfield officials condemned the racist text messages saying,"Racist language, behavior and rhetoric have no place in Bloomfield, and we are committed to ensuring that every member of our community feels safe, valued and respected,"

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong also spoke out saying,"I join Bloomfield leaders in condemning these disturbing racist messages. There is zero place in Connecticut for this kind of hate,"

In Connecticut, hate crimes legislation was expanded in 2021 to create a new hate crime charge of intimidation based on bigotry or bias, and the formation of the Connecticut State Police Hate Crime Task Force.

In addition to police, hate crimes can be reported to school officials or to elected officials.

It is no accident that the messages began showing up right after the election of Donold Trump, whose campaign was based on hate and division.

Hate speech can lead to physical violence and harms everyone with intimidation.

Zero tolerance for hate speech should be extended to zero tolderance for racism and bigotry in hiring practices and housing, along with support for enacting an equity agenda to correct these injustices.