High School Controversy to Be Discussed

staff will give a progress report to the Board of Education on Thursday evening regarding directives issued by board members in the wake of an alleged incident of racial harassment at .

The board gave staff directives at the June 30 meeting on improving the racial and ethnic atmosphere at the school. They included a review of the SMMUSD's diversity, tolerance and racial/ethnic sensitivity curriculum; requiring racial and ethnic sensitivity training for district staff; and restoration of the Intercultural District Advisory Committee.

"During this discussion item, staff will update the board on the district's progress in meeting these directives," the staff report for Thursday's meeting states.

According to a complaint filed with the , two white members of Santa Monica High School's wrestling team in May used a cable to tie a black teammate to the locker while they yelled, "" and made other racially charged statements. It was also reported that a brown practice mannequin with a noose tied around the neck was found nearby.

Neither SMMUSD nor Santa Monica High School staff mentioned the alleged incident to the victims' mother, who found out about it from other parents. publicly apologized to her about the lack of communication at the .

Numerous members of the public spoke about the alleged incident at the June 30 board meeting. , and some people accused district and Santa Monica High School staff of trying to cover up the alleged incident. Current and former coaches, and athletes, on the wrestling team told the board the situation was a prank that went too far.

"Everybody there is a good kid," . "In no way were they trying to harm or offend anyone. Things may have gotten out of hand."

The two boys who allegedly committed the harassment were suspended for three days and were ordered to assist with a freshman seminar on hazing, according to the SMMUSD.

The Santa Monica police announced in June that they were investigating the alleged incident. Also, the department said it had asked the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to investigate the allegation that school administrators "had handled the incident unlawfully."

Thursday's Board of Education meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

This article was originally published on Malibu Patch.