Racial incident Involving Security Guard at Marin County high school spurs investigation
San Rafael CA Nov 24 2022
San Rafael High School officials are looking into an October incident in which a Black security guard knocked food from a student who had directed a racial slur toward him, leading to the school to place the security guard on leave amid a student outcry on his behalf, according to the Marin Independent Journal.
More than 1,000 students have signed a petition asking that the school reinstate the security guard, Royce Hughes, whom they said is a beloved figure on campus and was unfairly punished. The school’s Black Student Union organized the petition drive.
“Mr. Hughes has been a constant figure that we’ve grown to rely on, as well as the entire SR community,” the head of the Black Student Union, junior Marguerite Walden-Kaufman, wrote in the petition, noting that he’s one of the few Black staff members at the school.
The students are also asking that the student who directed the slur undergo restorative justice and that the school do more to promote racial awareness and sensitivity on campus.
Principal Joe Dominguez said he was open to that.
“After many conversations with student and staff leaders, I believe we can provide more education and accountability around racist and hateful language,” Dominguez told the newspaper. “I’m grateful to have met with our Black Student Union this week, and they want to work together and find an expert to help our students and staff learn and address several issues.”
