SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – It’s been four days since allegations of racist bullying in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District have come to light. On Thursday morning, the mother of one of the victims impacted by racist harassment met with school administrators to discuss a safety plan moving forward.

According to a statement released by Superintendent Jennifer Willard Thursday morning, she says in light of a recent event that occurred outside of school hours, the school will be organizing a special assembly for students upon their return to school.

“In light of this, we will be organizing a special assembly for students upon their return to school. This assembly will serve as a forum for open dialogue, support, and guidance on navigating challenging situations both inside and outside of school,” stated Superintendent Willard in the statement.

This announcement did not sit will with Allyson Lopez, the mother of one of the victim’s targeted by the alleged racist harassment. In a statement to 22News Lopez said “Despite my hopes for meaningful change, today’s meeting with the administrators of the Southwick-Tolland-Granville School District has left me profoundly disillusioned. It has become glaringly evident that there is a serious lack of understanding and commitment among the administrative leadership to ensure the safety and well-being of all students because of their race and or ethnicity.”

Lopez continued saying that the children deserve better, and that it is incumbent upon all of them to create a learning environment that is truly safe, inclusive, and equitable for every student.

The school says that they will be enlisting external experts to lead discussions, offer training, and equip our school community with the necessary tools to address similar situations in the future. You can read both the Superintendent and Allyson Lopez’ full statements below:

Superintendent Willard Full Statement

As Superintendent, I want to address recent event that occurred outside of school hours but has undoubtedly impacted our school community. We understand the concerns and unease these events may have caused among our students, staff, and families.

Please know that Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District is actively engaged in addressing these matters. We believe that open communication and education are paramount in addressing challenges and cultivating a safe and supportive environment for all.

In light of this, we will be organizing a special assembly for students upon their return to school. This assembly will serve as a forum for open dialogue, support, and guidance on navigating challenging situations both inside and outside of school.

Furthermore, we are committed to providing additional resources to educate both our staff and students on relevant topics. We will be enlisting external experts to lead discussions, offer training, and equip our school community with the necessary tools to address similar situations in the future.

Maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment is of utmost importance. We encourage open communication and collaboration as we work together to address these challenges and fortify our community.

Thank you.

Allyson Lopez Full Statement

As a concerned parent, I am compelled to address the ongoing issue of racism within the Southwick-Tolland and Granville School District. It is with profound disappointment and deep sorrow that I speak out today, following the distressing incident involving my daughter, who has become the latest victim of racial harm and hatred within the confines of our supposedly safe educational environment.

The recent revelation of an online slave auction, orchestrated by individuals within the student body, is not only abhorrent but indicative of a systemic failure within our school district to address and eradicate racism. Any child or group of children who can stoop to such a depraved and demented act must be met with swift and decisive action.

Despite my hopes for meaningful change, today’s meeting with the administrators of the Southwick-Tolland and Granville School District has left me profoundly disillusioned. It has become glaringly evident that there is a serious lack of understanding and commitment among the administrative leadership to ensure the safety and well-being of all students because of their race and or ethnicity.

As a parent, my priority is to support my child through the trauma she has endured. However, I am also left with the sobering realization that the current avenues for redress within the school district may not be sufficient to address the magnitude of this issue. Therefore, I am compelled to explore alternative avenues to seek justice and ensure accountability for those responsible.

It is my sincere hope that this statement serves as a wake-up call to the Southwick-Tolland and Granville School District, urging them to take immediate and meaningful action to confront and eradicate racism within our schools. Our children deserve better, and it is incumbent upon all of us to create a learning environment that is truly safe, inclusive, and equitable for every student.

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Melissa Torres is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2021. Follow Melissa on X @melissatorrestv and view her bio to see more of her work.