Call to Action - Please Read!

Cougar Community, 

I am saddened to share this communication. Today, one of our teachers was affected by the deeply hurtful use of hate speech. The n-word was written across her teacher's desk in her classroom. On the heels of our We Are One lessons, last month specifically on the n-word and microaggressions on Tuesday this week, we feel compelled to ask our community for a Call to Action. LCMSD has spent time educating our community about the history and impact of this word that has been used to justify violence and dehumanize. There is no space for this type of behavior in our school community. 

Today we met with students at Hall to share this same Call to Action, for students to reflect on and commit to interrupting and calling out peers to stop this behavior. We ask that you engage in this vital conversation regarding use of the n-word and should any information regarding this incident come to light please contact administration or use our anonymous tip line.  

As a reminder LCMSD has taken specific measures with the goal of ensuring inclusive and safe schools. Hate speech has no place in our school community. In November of 2023 our discipline policy was updated to include a Zero Tolerance policy for use of hate speech. Students who engage in this behavior will be suspended and if a further instance occurs it may result in expulsion. Additionally, in 2023 we launched the We Are One monthly lesson series and have a repair and teaching tool to couple with discipline for problematic speech or action. 

Please know that Central Marin Police were called to campus today to take a report and photograph the racial slur. Students in the class were addressed by Ms. Griffin and the officer. 

There is no space for this behavior at Hall and our community must rise to the occasion and show up for our Cougar Family to keep everyone safe in our school and community. 

Thank you you for your partnership in upholding our community values, 

Dr. Brown & Hall Staff 

Below is the message Dr. Brown, Dr. Geithman, Mr. Blatt, and Board President Movafaghi shared with students:

“Everyone, take a moment and let this sink in. We just completed a school-wide lesson where we discussed the weight of our words, the power they hold, and the harm they can cause. We walked through the deep pain that racism inflicts—not just in history, but here, now, in our own community.

Today, we are standing together because something happened that cannot be ignored. Someone in our school—a place that is supposed to be safe and welcoming—chose to use overt, extreme racism. Words that have been used in the past to justify violence, to dehumanize, to destroy. Words that carry the weight of history and suffering. The n-word was written in marker across a teacher’s desk. This word was directed at a teacher—an educator, a leader, a mentor, someone we respect, someone we care about, someone who gives their time and energy to make us and Hall better every day. 

Let me be clear: there are no excuses. This is not about ‘not knowing better.’ We know better. We just spent time learning about it. This is about our values. This is about who we choose to be as a school, as a community, as people. 

And so, we must ask ourselves: what do we do now? Do we stay silent and let this moment pass? Or do we stand up and make it clear that racism has no place here? This is about us interrupting hate speech and being ally for entire Hall community. 

I want everyone to understand that our school has a zero tolerance approach to racism, discrimination, and hate. Not only because it is the right thing to do, but because we must keep our community safe for our students and staff. Every single person here deserves to come to school without fear of being targeted. Every single person here deserves respect.

I want you all to know that I dropped everything today to come to Hall and address this issue personally. As the Board President, I have the responsibility and final authority when it comes to severe issues like this, and I take that responsibility seriously. What happened is completely unacceptable and runs counter to the values we uphold in our schools. Our schools must be safe places for everyone—students, teachers, and staff. I expect the highest standards of respect and inclusion, and I fully support the district’s zero tolerance policy for racism. There is no place for hate here, and it is up to all of us to make that clear.

So, I am asking every single one of you to take responsibility, act with integrity—not just today, but every day. If you hear it, call it out. If you see it, shut it down. If you’ve ever been a part of it, make it right. Our silence is complicity, and we will not be complicit.

This is a moment that defines us. This is where we choose to be better. This is where we show that we are a school that stands for respect, for dignity - because We Are One. 

Because this is not who we are. And we will prove it—with our words, with our actions, and with our commitment to each other. It starts now. This is our call to action. If you know anything about this incident, we need you to step forward. You can talk to one of us directly or you can use the anonymous tip line. 

“IN THE END, WE WILL REMEMBER NOT THE WORDS OF OUR ENEMIES, BUT THE SILENCE OF OUR FRIENDS.”

—MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.”