In response to the overnight vandalism at Affton High School in Affton, Missouri, President John Bowman issued the following statement:



“Our concern, in addition to holding our schools to the highest standard of educational excellence, is the safety and protection of our children, staff and community members. Racially motivated acts of vandalism have no place in or around our schools. We are very concerned at the timing of the vandalism. Spray painting “WITE POWER” and swastikas on school property only one day after the announcement of Dr. Cassandra Walker Suggs, a known advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, as Affton School District’s next Assistant Superintendent seems a bit off to me. Let’s hope these things aren’t related.”

NAACP St. Louis County continues to stand for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across the county and will continue to support all efforts to maintain balance and justice in the state of Missouri. We also stand with Dr. Cassandra Walker Suggs in her professional mission to create equitable learning environments using her exceptional qualifications, including civil rights investigations.

President Bowman continues, “We call on our leaders and community officials to do what is right and not only issue statements but actually do the work necessary to ensure safety and inclusion of black and brown students and staff. I’ve reached out to Superintendent Travis Bracht to join the conversation on this issue and have not received a response.”

NAACP St. Louis County believes that anti-discriminatory environments are worth fighting for. We support President Bowman’s stance against racist acts of vandalism and fully support the Affton School District’s and St. Louis County Police Department’s commitment to investigating this hate crime. We are prepared to provide any assistance needed to the St. Louis County Police Department, the Affton School District, its staff, and community partners during this time. We also support President Bowman’s endorsement of Dr. Suggs and firmly believe in the value of her voice within the Affton School District.

NAACP President John Bowman is available for follow-up and questions at the above email.

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