A social media post sent shock waves across San Marcos High School this week over the portrayal of blackface.
The Goleta Valley school has “instituted consequences” for students responsible for a TikTok that showed four female students with artificially darkened skin, recreating an image of four black children in matching school uniforms.
The caption read “meet the gc” (groupchat) and included several ninja emojis, which is often used online as a stand-in for the N-word.
Dare Holdren, San Marcos principal, said the school is working with students “about the impact of their actions” and is working with those affected by the post.
“Racial stereotypes are harmful and have no place in our schools,” Holdren wrote to the school community. “Regardless of intent, students need to understand the impact their words, images, and actions can have on others.”
The TikTok was reported through the school’s Safe to Speak Up system two weeks ago, according to Holdren.
“We encourage families to talk with their students about treating others with dignity and respect and about the responsibility that comes with creating and sharing content online,” Holdren said.
Santa Barbara Unified School District Superintendent Hilda Maldonado condemned the incident, stating that hate, racism and discrimination have no place in schools or the community.
“Blackface has a long history of dehumanizing and humiliating Black people,” Maldonado said. “What happened was harmful. For Black students, staff, and families and for anyone who has experienced being ‘othered,’ this incident can raise a painful question for students and staff: Will I always be judged by my skin color rather than by my humanity?”
“No child or staff member should have to carry that feeling into school.”
The incident was handled through an “established student discipline process,” and the district will not be sharing the specific consequences to protect student privacy.
“Our responsibility is to address the harm, support the students and staff affected, and continue to expect students to take responsibility, learn from their actions, and repair and rebuild the trust,” Maldonado said.
“We will continue to maintain clear and consistent expectations for every student.”
Maldonado asked families to talk to their students about this incident, and others, to explain the harm and dehumanization that can happen through actions and words.
“I cannot promise that one statement, one lesson, or one initiative will change our culture overnight,” Maldonado said. “This is not a one-and-done issue. But I can promise that we will keep listening, learning, examining ourselves, and doing this work.”
Students who would like support regarding this incident are encouraged to reach out to a counselor or trusted adult.
