Santa Barbara Unified School District updates racial incident protocols

The Santa Barbara Unified School District is implementing new response protocols and updated discipline policies following public outcry over a social media incident involving students at San Marcos High School. The incident involved students using blackface to recreate an AI-generated meme, a post that included emojis widely recognized as racial slurs.

Chief Operating Officer Steve Venz announced that the district has developed a new racial incident response protocol to ensure consistency across all schools. This protocol establishes a specific timeline for investigations and involves a team-based approach rather than relying on a single individual. The process includes initial response, investigation, and “repair” work designed to support harmed students and prevent further discriminatory behavior.

The district is also updating its discipline matrix, which outlines administrative consequences and reporting procedures for specific racist actions. This matrix had not been significantly updated since 2019 or 2020. The new materials were developed in coordination with the Committee Advancing Black Achievement, Wellness, and Excellence (CABAWE). A draft of these policies is currently being piloted at Dos Pueblos High School.