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A broken ankle monitor reflects a harsh, unforgiving light, symbolizing the impact of racist and ableist actions on vulnerable students.Long Beach Today
A Long Beach Unified School District teacher named John Solomon has retired after a months-long investigation by the district concluded he sent a racist and ableist message that sparked public backlash. The district found that Solomon’s message ‘belittled students of color and students with disabilities.’ Solomon denied sending the message, claiming his phone was hacked, but the teachers union investigation found his explanation implausible.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about racism and discrimination in schools, as well as the challenges districts face in addressing inappropriate conduct by teachers. The incident sparked a public outcry and led to formal discrimination complaints from students and parents.
The details
The message in question was a meme showing a cartoon image of a Black child wearing an ankle monitor with the text ‘we need this for our runners!’ – which other teachers said was a reference to special education students who sometimes run from campus. Solomon was a member of the teachers union’s bargaining committee when the accusations surfaced. The district initially decided not to investigate, but reconsidered after the story was reported publicly and prompted a ‘public outcry.’ The district’s investigation ultimately concluded that Solomon’s denials were not credible.
In the fall, accusations surfaced that Solomon had sent the offensive meme to fellow union committee members.For the last six months, Solomon remained employed and on paid administrative leave during the district’s investigation.On March 19, the district released a report detailing the findings of its investigation into Solomon.On Wednesday, the Long Beach Unified board of education is expected to approve Solomon’s retirement.
The players
John Solomon
A Long Beach Unified teacher who was a member of the teachers union’s bargaining committee. An investigation found he sent a racist and ableist message that sparked public backlash, leading to his retirement.
Long Beach Unified School District
The school district that conducted an investigation into Solomon’s conduct and ultimately concluded he should face disciplinary action, leading to his retirement.
Teachers Association of Long Beach
The teachers union that conducted its own investigation into the offensive message sent by Solomon, finding his explanation for the message implausible.
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What they’re saying
“I believe in due process, but months of paid leave ‘becomes a vacation and is not accountability.”
— Naida Tushnet, Retired educator
“Our kids are paying attention. They’re learning what accountability looks like through the world around them.”
— Alyssa Gutierrez, Parent of LBUSD students
What’s next
The Long Beach Unified board of education is expected to approve Solomon’s retirement on Wednesday.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges schools face in addressing racism and discrimination, as well as the need for robust accountability measures to ensure teachers are held responsible for inappropriate conduct that harms vulnerable students.