This year, many San Diego schools have enacted a new “no slurs” policy, hoping to bring awareness to the negative impact these derogatory words have.
Master Sergeant Eric Cole said,“This slur ban isn’t just a UC High or BSU [Black Student Union] thing; this is a district concern. Racism and discrimination are at the forefront of this soon-to-be policy. Referring to any person not by their name or title is unprofessional and unacceptable. With that being said, language that is offensive should not be allowed in professional settings, and if this policy is violated, appropriate adjudication is required.”
BSU Vice President Senior Malaysia Jordan said, “I felt relieved that people were finally starting to take this issue seriously. It’s been a real problem for a long time, not just with non-Black students using the word, but also with some people of color using it casually.”
Jordan said, “I hope students start thinking before they speak and really understand the history and weight of the words they use.”
“This initiative sends a message that our school stands with us, that our experiences matter and that we deserve a space free from racial slurs and disrespect. The main message should be that words have power. Using racial slurs isn’t just a ‘joke’ or ‘habit;’ it’s harmful,” said Jordan.
BSU Advisor and MJROTC Sergeant Clyde Harris said, “So far, the actions that I’ve been taking are talking to my students about the things that have been going on, especially the issue dealing with the n-word. So right now, the main topic is the use of language. Harmful language is harmful, and it also triggers. You don’t know who it can actually trigger, saying some harmful language.”
“If you hear someone say it, immediately address it. One thing I like to do is, address it to the whole class, not just one person. If I have to have a one-on-one conversation with someone, I will. But definitely address it as soon as it happens. None of that waiting,” said Harris.
Harris said, “The word’s hurtful, and the reason being, is because they actually know the history behind the word. I believe if people in general knew the history behind certain abusive or harmful language, they would change. Right now, the plan is to go around in classrooms, and have teachers educate their students on racial slurs.”
BSU Member Senior Kalahari Lewis said, “Even if people aren’t using it in a racist context, I don’t think it should be used. I can’t speak for all Black people, but at least for me as a Black student, and I assume for a lot of other Black students, it doesn’t feel great.”
“I think also the popularization of it, for example, in rap songs, and even other popular musicians like SZA… have desensitized it and made people think it was okay to use since Black people have been proclaiming it in their art. So I think maybe it’s just becoming so normalized with the content people consume,” said Lewis.
According to Lewis, “I think students’ voices in the policy will definitely be really important because sometimes maybe teachers don’t hear it. For example, in the bathrooms, walking, or in the halls, the teachers aren’t there to hear that. So having students support the policy, and having students who intend to help enforce it would definitely help crack down on the use of slurs, since teachers can’t be everywhere.”
“I feel like people shouldn’t use certain words [like the “n” word], because you don’t really hear any other slurs thrown around like that. Especially because people know the racist connotations behind it. And so I think definitely educating people about the history of the word, and why it’s offensive to Black people, I think that would be really important to help limit the use on campus,” said Lewis.