Kenasia Brown alleges that her children, Kaiden and Kenadi, were disrespected and harassed with racial slurs at Clark-Pleasant Middle School.
She was forced to remove her children from the school, but the Dean didn’t offer any help and didn’t address the racism.
During middle school, students figure out who they are and how they fit in. Unfortunately, this is also a time when some students might hear or even use racial slurs.
A racial slur is a term of hatred and prejudice that attacks a person’s identity, culture, and race. It causes deep hurt and makes the school environment feel unsafe and unwelcoming for everyone.
Sometimes, students use these words without fully understanding their painful history, whereas at other times, it is used to bully and exclude someone intentionally.
A Mother’s Plea: Allegations of Racism and Neglect at Clark-Pleasant Middle School
Kenasia Brown detailed the distressing experiences of her children, Kaiden and Kenadi, since their enrollment at Clark-Pleasant Middle School.
She was forced to remove her children from the school.
The issues began on the very first day, when a teacher spoke to her son, Kaiden, in a “disrespectful and inappropriate” manner.
However, a school dean dismissed the incident, excusing the teacher’s behavior by saying that the teacher is a little rough and that’s just how he is.
So instead of correcting the teacher, the responsibility was placed on my son. I still disciplined my child, because he knows to respect adults. He knows to keep his head down and do his work.
Kenasia Brown
The situation escalated dramatically in late October.
Brown states that her daughter, Kenadi, was suspended from the bus after another student repeatedly called her the N-word.
Kenadi reported the racial slur to the bus driver, Christina, but the driver didn’t care and ordered her to sit down. She was upset and called the bus driver a name, for which she was disciplined.
Moreover, the most shocking part was that the bus driver later repeated the racial slur out loud in front of students and staff.
Brown claims calls to the superintendent went unanswered, and the transportation director seemed dismissive when multiple children corroborated that the bus driver had said the slur.
I didn’t know she had a brother on the bus. I don’t know what y’all want me to do. I already talked to her.
Transportation Department Member, Robin
The final straw came when a group of white boys allegedly taunted Kenadi, telling her that her brother Kaiden never had a fair shot at the basketball team because it was pre-selected.
They also hurled racial insults and fat-shaming at her. Sadly, Kenadi was disciplined for verbally defending herself.
Brown withdrew her children, feeling the school had utterly failed to protect them. She says the Dean then announced their departure in front of other students, further violating their privacy.
I am not saying my children are perfect. I discipline my kids. But my children will NOT be abused by adults, and they will not be targets of racial harassment while staff, teachers, and administrators enable it, excuse it, or dismiss it.
Kenasia Brown
Brown’s Facebook post has sparked widespread support and concern among other parents.
They raised urgent questions about the environment for students of color at the school and the district’s commitment to addressing racism.
Take this to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). I was an investigation specialist for civil litigation based on discrimination in Employment, Housing, etc, but most importantly, EDUCATION!! FIGHT THIS! Whoever else that is going through this y’all team up and go downtown on them! 💯😤
Brittany B Wills
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kenasia Brown is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana.
- She graduated from Arlington High School and studied at National American University.
