Does St. Louis take claims of racism seriously? Recall Blues Coach Craig Berube admitting to calling his black player an animal with “no racist intent?” As a consequence, Berube forfeited a game and lost some of his salary. If this bleak response flies, imagine what happens with lower-profile coaches that commit these acts.
Tiffany Vining, a concerned Affton High School parent, has been having an impossible time seeking redress for concerns surrounding incidents involving her child. These problems reportedly stem from Affton High School Athletic Director “Coach” Dan Oliver. According to Vining, Oliver threatened and called her son Jarell a racial epithet. To add insult to injury, the Affton school board and superintendent has been unresponsive to her calls for recourse.
The mission statement of the Affton District is “to prepare all of our students to become confident and capable citizens through rigorous, customized learning.” When accusations of racism are taken lightly, this dilutes the message behind Affton schools.
The accusations against Dan Oliver must be fully investigated. He should not be able to move with impunity in light of a complaint levied by a scholar and his family. Scholars cannot be “confident” or “learn” when the district asserts values that it cannot uphold due to unchecked racism.
The question remains: Who will hold this institution accountable to its mission and values?
Perhaps there will be no fitting remedy to Vining’s cries for help. Affton High School is, after all, majority white. The school board and superintendent’s office have similar demographics. One wonders whether these white spaces feel like they have a stake in addressing claims of racial animus against the athletic director of its high school. They may dismiss this as hearsay.
If a tree falls in a forest with no one to witness it, did it happen? Yes!
When reports are not taken seriously, this may create a chilling effect on the truth. We cannot afford to allow this and any other issues levied against staff to pass unanswered.
This case is not unique. Recall the situation at East Mecklenburg High School in North Carolina. The parent, Desiree Emory, whose son played on the football team, announced that her son was called a racial pejorative by the assistant coach. As a result, the coach was “removed” only to be reinstated six months later. While the school reacted to the coach’s transgression, its response was superficial and tepid. Emory ended up transferring her son.
Black scholars must be able to go through school without worrying about becoming the target of bigotry. Like all students, they go to school to get an education and prepare themselves for fulfilling their purpose. This journey should not be hampered by slurs. Unfortunately, this is not the reality our children of color face in our nation. They carry the burden of their race along with their books, tests, and classes.
Please support Vining by contacting the Affton School District superintendent by lifting up her frustrations. The name of the superintendent is Travis Bracht, and his email is tbracht@afftonschools.net. He must be reminded of his duty to the mission of the Affton School District and its youth of color.
Our children deserve urgency – and better.
Jonathan Pulphus is an activist in St. Louis.
