The Sacramento Police Department says it is investigating a possible hate crime against West Campus High School Vice Principal Dr. Elysse Versher.
Versher says the acts of hate have been going on for years and that the district’s response has been lacking. In the most recent incident, she found the N-word written on the wall in front of her car on campus.
“I’m devastated. I’m devastated,” Versher told CBS. “This is the first time in my career that students have been emboldened enough to call me a black N**** , a N*** B****, black Hitler.” It’s “a reminder that black kids don’t matter here and that I don’t either,” she said.
Versher says the attacks have led to health problems. She also worries that she or one of her family members could become the target of violence. She said the racial animus not only affects her, but also black staff members and students of color. Versher lamented the lack of Black teachers and counselors to support the student body, which is 80% non-white.
One controversial issue that seems to have played a role in the vitriol is the school’s dress code. A student was recently disciplined for wearing a crop top to school, igniting controversy.
In an email, Sacramento City Unified confirmed it had been made aware of the threats against Versher and that Sacramento police are investigating. The district also met with the vice principal Tuesday to discuss her concerns.
Betty Williams with the Sacramento NAACP says it’s too little, too late.
“There’s a cancer at this school,” she said at a recent press conference. She's calling for the removal of Superintendent Jorge Aguilar and the entire school board.