Jada Barry, a student and volleyball player at Christian Academy in Sidney, Ohio, recently shared a post on Facebook revealing years of bullying and racial harassment she has faced at her school.
In her post, she explained that she transferred to Christian Academy four years ago after experiencing bullying at her previous school for being a Christian and African-American.
Jada described how she was promised a safe and welcoming environment by the head of the school, Dick Dray, before being accepted.
Instead, she has faced repeated racist comments and discriminatory behavior from both students and staff while participating in school activities, including sports.
A Christian Academy Volleyball Player, Jada Barry, Faced Years of Bullying and Racial Harassment, With School Authority Ignoring the Issue
According to Jada, the harassment started within her first few months at the school, when a classmate called her the n-word.
Over the years, she experienced numerous incidents, including being asked “what it was like picking cotton,” and being told she belonged on the “black team” during school events.
In her sophomore year, a teacher, Luke Elie, singled her out and questioned her about her racial identity in front of the class.
She was called racial slurs multiple times in different classes. These incidents occurred between September 25, 2025, and November 3, 2025.
Jada and her family reported the bullying repeatedly to the administration.
However, according to her, Dick Dray spoke to only one student and denied meeting requests while minimizing the situation.
Jada also described the emotional impact of the harassment.
She said it made her feel unwanted, mistreated, and unworthy, and sometimes caused her to question her identity.
Following her post, many have expressed their support and praised Jada for her courage in standing up for herself. One comment reads;
Everything you shared is horrifying, and the fact that a Christian school allowed it, repeatedly , is beyond unacceptable. They were given every chance to do what was right, and every time they chose silence, excuses, and cover ups. The truth is simple, “you were failed by the people who were supposed to defend you.” But let me be clear about something!!!! You are worthy. You are valued. You are loved. You are beautifully, intentionally created by God, and there is NOTHING wrong with who you are. The racism you endured says everything about their hearts and absolutely nothing about yours. I stand with you loudly, publicly, unapologetically. And I won’t stop until you get the protection, justice, and respect you deserved from day one.
As of now, the school administration and the head of the academy have not addressed the issue, but Jada appears to be receiving support and help from others.
