Teacher Accused of Sharing Image of Black Child in Ankle Monitor
NEED TO KNOW
- John Solomon, a teacher at MacArthur Elementary School in Long Beach, Calif., is reportedly accused of sharing an image depicting a Black child and an ankle monitor in a group text back in May
- Solomon, who is also a secretary for a teacher’s union, said in media reports that his phone was hacked and denied the allegations
- The district placed the teacher on leave pending an ongoing inquiry following the alleged incident and said it is investigating the matter
A Southern California school district has placed an elementary school teacher on leave after he allegedly shared an image of a Black child wearing an ankle monitor in a group chat.
According to the Long Beach Post, John Solomon, a teacher at MacArthur Elementary School in Lakewood, Calif., is accused of sending the image in a text-message chain with other educators this past May.
The newspaper published a screenshot of the text chain. The message allegedly sent by Solomon features a mock toy package with a Black child and an ankle bracelet underneath the title, “My First Ankle Monitor.” The image is accompanied by a text message that reads, “We need this for our runners!”
Teachers told the Long Beach Post that “runners” in that context is a derogatory term for special education kids who are likely to wander away.
In an email to PEOPLE on Friday, Oct. 3, Solomon, who is also a secretary for the Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB) union, wrote: “At this time, I am going to consult with my family, friends, and advisor in regard to inquiries from news media companies,” adding that he would provide a response in about a week.
An attorney for Solomon told the Long Beach Post that the accusation is without merit and defamatory. Solomon earlier denied the allegation and maintained that his phone was hacked, the outlet also reported.
Meanwhile, the TALB reportedly appointed a three-person commission to investigate the allegation. According to findings obtained by the outlet, the commission wrote that Solomon’s claim that “somebody else sent the text to the Bargaining Team is simply not credible.” The commission found that members of the group chat saved the message that originated from the accused teacher’s number.
The attorney representing Solomon also told the Long Beach Post that his client will likely pursue litigation against the union and others for disclosing false information.
Gerry Morrison, the president of TALB, said in an email to PEOPLE, “We are aware of the situation with one of our members. The Teachers Association of Long Beach is against racism in all its forms. The Long Beach Unified School District is investigating this incident, and we hope that they get to the bottom of it quickly.”
In an email to PEOPLE about the matter, a spokesperson for the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) wrote: “The Long Beach Unified School District does not condone conduct that is disrespectful, discriminatory, or harmful. In alignment with Board Policy 0410 – Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities, as well as state and federal laws, the District remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory learning and working environment for all students and staff.
“We take concerns seriously and follow established policies and procedures in addressing them,” the district’s statement continued. “This matter is under investigation, and the employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome. Personnel matters are confidential, so we cannot comment on individual employee situations.”
The incident reportedly has union members calling for Solomon — who was a member of TALB’s bargaining committee until he resigned, citing increasing classroom responsibilities — to be ousted as union secretary. Among them is Manar Totonji, a Poly High School science teacher, who described the alleged text as “repugnant and racist.”
“There’s collective disgrace and shame that we need to separate ourselves from,” Totonji, who said he is spearheading a recall, stated at a union meeting, according to the Long Beach Post.
Speaking to CW affiliate KTLA, community members in Long Beach offered differing opinions about the controversy.
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“In my opinion, I think it’s ridiculous,” said one parent identified only as Jorge. “I don’t think this teacher should be here anymore.”
“I really do hope this blows away,” another unidentified community member told KTLA. “He’s well loved here.”
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
