Sacramento, CA - An investigation into racist graffiti and social media activity at West Campus High School in November 2021 is now complete and a report has been issued.  The Sacramento City Unified School District immediately retained a neutral outside investigator who spent six months looking into the complaints about West Campus.  This investigation was separate from the Sacramento Police Department’s criminal investigation of the matter.   

The investigator was tasked with determining:

• Whether racially derogatory terms written on campus property and/or on social media were directed towards West Campus Vice Principal, Dr. Elysse Versher
   
• Whether site administration failed to take appropriate action in response to that conduct

The investigator interviewed 45 witnesses, including students and staff, reviewed social media images and emails, as well surveillance footage from the surrounding area, and other evidence.

The investigator determined, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that racist graffiti on a parking lot wall near Dr. Versher’s assigned parking space was directed at Dr. Versher, and that no student, staff member, or other individual has been identified to have written the graffiti.  The investigator reviewed social media images and reported that no identifiable District staff, student, or other individual wrote or created the derogatory statements or images.

The investigator also reviewed the site administration’s response when the racist graffiti and social media posts were reported and found that West Campus High School administration took appropriate preliminary steps upon learning of the November 2021 racial slur incidents.

“Racist language and actions have no place at our schools, and will not be tolerated at West Campus or anywhere in our district,” said SCUSD Superintendent Jorge A. Aguilar.  “The District is committed to addressing racism and hoped that this investigation would lead to accountability for anyone who participated in this racist activity at West Campus.  I am frustrated and disappointed that those responsible have not yet been identified.  We know many in our community share this frustration.”

“What is clear from this report is that a member of our staff was targeted with racist language. This should never happen.  We appreciate Dr. Versher’s service to our students.  While we respect her decision to separate from Sac City Unified, we remain committed to treating incidents of racism with the utmost seriousness and will seek more ways to learn and improve district wide,” added Aguilar.

Though the District’s investigation into the acts of racism was inconclusive as to who was responsible, the case is still being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department, which previously labeled the incident a “hate crime”.  We stand ready to provide police with the information we have gathered and assist their investigation in any way necessary.  Anyone who may still have information about the events at West Campus High is urged to speak with administrators and police.

“No one is satisfied with this outcome.  Someone knows who committed this crime,” said attorney Mark T. Harris, the District’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Monitor.  “The investigator spent months following the evidence and it’s unfortunate this is where we ended up.  Now we must call upon and work with the Sacramento Police Department to bring its resources to the investigation of this heinous crime as expeditiously as possible,” Harris added.

“Sac City Unified will not tolerate acts of racism or the use of racist language that impacts our students or our staff,” said SCUSD Board President Christina Pritchett.  “All SCUSD school site staff, district office personnel, and members of our SCUSD Board received mandatory anti-racism training this school year. This training is an important step in the district’s ongoing work to interrupt racism.  The district is also incorporating anti-racism materials into our student curriculum. 

“We encourage families to continue having conversations about this important and sensitive topic,” Pritchett continued. “Every SCUSD school should be a safe haven and equitable learning center where every student and all staff feel welcome, supported and loved.”