CROSBY – The school district is now investigating vandalism in the form of graffiti with racist remarks, discovered in one of the student restrooms at the high school. The markings may be the result of a national trend, promoted on the internet site TikTok, encouraging students to rebel against schools with this type of defacement.
Students and parents at Crosby High School have expressed shock and concern about the vandalism.
The district sent out a letter to parents informing them about “derogatory racial remarks” written on Crosby High School bathroom tiles. Now, the district is asking parents to talk with their students and remain vigilant in observing and reporting suspicious behavior.
“We need to make you aware of an incident that happened at Crosby High School this week. A bathroom was vandalized with derogatory racial remarks. Campus administration is investigating. Remember, any student involved in vandalism of any kind in our schools will be held to the strictest disciplinary action.
“Everything about this incident goes against what Crosby ISD stands for. On our campuses, we teach respect for all people and property. This could likely be part of a wider trend on social media encouraging teenagers to vandalize school bathrooms. Regardless of the motivation, destruction of school property is illegal and disrespectful. Students who choose to participate in this behavior will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct and could be required to pay restitution for the property damage.
“We need everyone to assist us in being vigilant. Please discuss this incident with your students and remind them that they can report any suspicious activity to campus administration, or the deputies assigned to their school. Their identities will be kept confidential. This is a moment that can become a teaching opportunity about respecting property and people. We appreciate your help because it will take all of us to create a safe place for all students and allow us to remain focused on teaching and learning.”
Crosby ISD parent Bo Winn, whose two daughters go to Crosby High School, let him know about harmful and racist messages written on the tiles of a school bathroom.
“They said in the boys’ bathroom every single stall had something different on it,” said Winn.
Messages that included phrases like, “Whites Only,” “No Blacks Allowed,” and “Pick my cotton,” among other written derogatory phrases, according to students and photos now circulating on social media.
“It’s disgraceful. Where are people’s values anymore?” said Crosby ISD parent Gail Schmidt.
Many parents were outraged.
Winn continued, “Those kinds of slurs… I don’t raise my children that way, and it’s a good thing that my sons have already graduated because I would be very upset if they were exposed to that. I think the kids that are doing it need to be held responsible, and I think their punishments need to fit, for lack of a better term, their crime.”
Winn said they hope the district can hold the students who committed this accountable for their actions.
— courtesy KPRC, updated