SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING NEWS REPORTS OF HANGING DOLL IN THE BUS YARD

Racist behavior has no place in Rim of the World schools

Last June, the school district administration was notified about the highly inappropriate action by an employee to display a dark-skinned baby doll hanging by a black thread on a bulletin board in the transportation office. The doll had been confiscated from a student on a bus.

This was an incredibly insensitive lapse of judgement by individuals who violated the core values of our school district. At the time, District leaders investigated the incident and took immediate and appropriate action to discipline the employees involved. Racism, intolerance, and racially insensitive behavior will not be tolerated by any adult or child in Rim of the World schools. Since my arrival in mid-July, I have been assured that transportation employees have been counseled individually and have undergone racial sensitivity training as a staff. Although the employees used poor judgement, a few individuals do not reflect the beliefs and values of our staff, students, families, and community. We appreciate the support and understanding of our community as we put this unfortunate incident behind us.

Michelle Murphy
Superintendent