Two children attending Mariposa Elementary School in Redlands have been the subjects of a lawsuit alleging prolonged racial harassment and discrimination that led to psychological harm. Filed in March by Daphne Hawkins on behalf of her two Black children, the legal claim asserts that the students were subjected to repeated racist taunts and bullying, resulting in diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other physical symptoms.

According to the lawsuit, the children endured derogatory name-calling such as “tar ball,” “mud,” and more severe comments including “Your skin is as black as your future” and “You should be in a Black African monkey show.” The harassment reportedly took place both inside classrooms and on the playground, and included an incident where one of the children received a note with a racially demeaning message. The suit further alleges that the bullying intensified following a December 2024 classroom lesson involving the figure of Zwarte Piet, a controversial Dutch holiday character often depicted with blackface and exaggerated features. The complaint states that the only Black child in the class was singled out and asked to model the costume, which the lawsuit claims normalized racial stereotypes and subjected the students to increased teasing and isolation.

The family’s attorney, Willie W. Williams, has criticized the Redlands Unified School District for failing to adequately respond to complaints or implement effective measures to curb the harassment. Despite multiple reports brought to school officials by students and their families, the lawsuit contends that the district did not hold perpetrators sufficiently accountable or institute necessary monitoring to prevent further incidents. The ongoing distress reportedly impacted the children’s school attendance and participation in recess activities.

In response to the lawsuit and public concerns, the district issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to addressing issues of discrimination, harassment, and student well-being. While declining to comment on the specifics of the pending litigation, a district spokesperson said that established procedures are followed when concerns are raised, including reviewing matters and providing appropriate support in line with district policies and legal requirements. The district indicated it had investigated some of the incidents and substantiated certain claims but did not elaborate on any disciplinary actions taken.

At a school board meeting, Hawkins expressed her distress over the effect of the alleged harassment on her children’s dignity and sense of identity. The case highlights ongoing challenges related to racial sensitivity and bullying in schools, underscoring calls for more robust anti-discrimination measures and culturally responsive education.