Redlands Unified details equity response following reports of racial slurs

REDLANDS, Calif. — In a detailed update to the Redlands Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday, Diversity and Equity Coordinator NaChé Thompson outlined the district’s efforts to address racial slurs on campus and create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.

The presentation came in the wake of reported racist incidents at local elementary schools and followed a public statement by Superintendent Juan Cabral condemning the use of hate speech on school grounds.

“When we talk about equity in Redlands Unified, we mean every student has the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential,” Thompson said. “That includes feeling safe, supported, and like they belong.”

Thompson emphasized that equity is not an ideology but a legal and moral obligation rooted in federal and state education codes. Her update focused on three pillars of the district’s equity work: staff training, student achievement, and family support.

65 incidents reported

Thompson said that since the start of the school year, 65 students have been documented using racial slurs against peers. The slurs have targeted multiple racial groups and were formally logged in the district’s student information system.

The majority of the incidents were reported in elementary schools.

Thompson cautioned that the number reflects only formally reported incidents.

“Behind each of those incidents is a child who came to school to learn, and instead was targeted because of their skin color,” she said. “And behind every report is a family who trusted us to protect their child, and watched them come home with pain that no person should ever carry.”

Data shows gaps in achievement and discipline

District data highlighted disparities in academic performance and suspension rates. African American students, English learners, foster youth, students with disabilities, and students experiencing homelessness were among those furthest from meeting academic standards.

“These aren’t just achievement gaps. They are belonging gaps,” Thompson said. “When students don’t feel safe or included, it shows up in their attendance, their behavior, and their ability to succeed.”

A community-wide approach

Thompson described the launch of the district’s “No Hate Zone” initiative, a set of classroom lessons and campus-wide expectations developed in partnership with counselors. The lessons, now publicly available on the district website, aim to teach students how to respond to hate speech, promote kindness, and reinforce that every student deserves to feel safe and included.

In response to repeated incidents at Mariposa Elementary School, Thompson temporarily relocated her office to the campus and led both student lessons and staff trainings. The move allowed for real-time support and helped reinforce school-wide expectations.

Board members commended Thompson’s approach and praised her leadership.

“I understand this is a very difficult topic,” said Melissa Ayala-Quintero. “When your child comes home with bullying of any type, it’s painful. And when it’s based on the color of their skin, it’s a special kind of hurt. So thank you and your equity teams for helping our students come to school in a safe environment.”

Patty Holohan added, “Your demeanor was quiet and soft, and everybody was listening. You’re taking us in the right direction. Keep up the good work.”

Candy Olson, who recently met Thompson for the first time, said she was impressed by her calm, student-centered mindset. “You just really came in right in time for our situations that had escalated at Mariposa,” Olson said. “Your approach is very thoughtful and considerate of all the kids involved.”

Board President Michele Rendler echoed the praise: “The help you’re giving our students will spill into their families and come back to school. I really appreciate it.”

Next Steps

Thompson said her team will continue working with equity teams at school sites, expand professional development and implement consistent disciplinary responses and educational support for students who use slurs. Plans are also underway to grow the district’s Equity and Inclusion Task Force and provide more resources for families.

“This work is not easy, but we can do it,” Thompson said. “And we’ll have to work together—staff, students, families, and community members—to make sure that every student in this district has full and unobstructed access to the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.”