The Normalization of Racism: Long Beach Students Spell Racial Slur as America’s Moral Compass Falters
By David Laguerre
When Hatred Becomes “Cool”: The Disturbing Message from Long Beach
As a Black man in my 60s who has witnessed America’s long, painful journey toward racial justice, the recent incident at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach pierced my heart with a familiar ache. Eight students—none of them Black—posed for a photo wearing t-shirts that collectively spelled out a vile racial slur during a school assembly. The image, which quickly went viral on social media, wasn’t just offensive—it was a warning sign of something deeply troubling happening in our society.
What disturbs me most isn’t just that this happened, but how casually it happened. In a school gymnasium. During an official assembly. With apparent confidence that there would be few consequences.
The Incident: When Hatred Goes Public
In March 2025, students at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach participated in what appears to have been a planned action, wearing t-shirts that collectively spelled “I ❤️ n****rs.” The photo was taken during a senior assembly and spread rapidly across social media platforms, prompting outrage from parents, community leaders, and civil rights organizations.
The Long Beach Unified School District issued what many consider a tepid response, calling the photo “disturbing and offensive” and promising an investigation. But as community members have pointed out, the response lacked immediate, tangible consequences for students involved in such a blatant display of racism.
A Symptom of America’s Moral Crisis
This incident didn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s a symptom of a troubling shift in our national climate—one where expressions of racism are increasingly met with shoulder shrugs rather than swift condemnation.
Our current President has created an atmosphere where offensive and hurtful views are no longer whispered but proudly proclaimed. His policies advance the damaging myth that opportunity is equally distributed, suggesting that those who don’t “make it” simply aren’t trying hard enough—a narrative that ignores centuries of systemic racism and ongoing discrimination.
What was once rightfully relegated to the fringes of society is now being mainstreamed. In some circles, it has become “cool to be racist”—a disturbing reality that endangers not just minority communities but the moral fabric of our nation.
Long Beach’s Complex Racial History
Long Beach itself has a complicated racial history, from discrimination against Chinese immigrants in the late 1800s to housing discrimination against African Americans through redlining and racial covenants. Despite progress and the city’s current diversity, incidents like this show how much work remains to be done.
The city has acknowledged systemic racism as a public health crisis and implemented a “Framework for Reconciliation” following the murder of George Floyd. The school district has adopted equity policies, but clearly, these efforts haven’t prevented racist incidents from occurring.
The Failure of Leadership
When our highest leadership positions are occupied by those who dismiss the reality of systemic racism, it sends a clear message to young people: racism isn’t serious. When policies attack diversity initiatives under the guise of “meritocracy,” it emboldens those with racist views.
These students didn’t develop these attitudes overnight. They absorbed them from a culture increasingly permissive of hateful expression—a culture shaped by political leadership that treats racism as either nonexistent or inconsequential.
A Call to Action
We cannot wait for this moral crisis to resolve itself. As citizens and community members, we must:
- Demand accountability not just from the students involved, but from school administrators who allowed this environment to develop
- Support comprehensive anti-racism education in our schools, including honest teaching about America’s history of racism
- Vote for candidates at all levels who take racism seriously and propose concrete policies to address systemic inequities
- Speak up when we witness racism in our communities, workplaces, and social circles
- Support organizations fighting for racial justice and educational equity
The Way Forward
The path to healing requires acknowledging the problem, holding wrongdoers accountable, and making structural changes to prevent similar incidents. Cabrillo High School and the Long Beach Unified School District must go beyond apologies to implement substantive changes in how they address racism.
As for us—the citizens who care about building a truly equitable society—we must recognize that incidents like these are canaries in the coal mine. They warn us of a poisonous atmosphere that threatens to undo decades of progress toward racial justice.
I feel your frustration. I share your alarm. But I also know that when we come together with purpose and determination, we can create the change we need. America’s moral compass may be faltering, but we—its people—can reset its course.
FAQ About the Long Beach Incident
What exactly happened at Cabrillo High School?
Eight students wore t-shirts that collectively spelled out a racial slur during a senior assembly in March 2025. The photo was taken in the school gymnasium and shared on social media.
What actions did the school take in response?
The Long Beach Unified School District issued an apology and announced an investigation. They called the behavior “unacceptable” and stated it does not reflect the school’s values.
How has the community responded?
Parents, community leaders, and civil rights groups have demanded accountability and transparency. Many expressed frustration at what they perceived as vague responses from the district.
What can parents do if their children experience racism at school?
Document incidents, report them to school administration, contact the district’s equity office, consider reaching out to civil rights organizations, and engage with school board meetings to advocate for stronger anti-racism policies.
