SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 28, 2026 – The San Francisco Branch of the NAACP and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) condemn the growing incidence of hate speech and violence in our city’s schools and neighborhoods that remains unaddressed by any effective action by the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).
Racial slurs, dehumanizing language, anti-Black dog whistles, and physical violence have no place in any classroom, hallway, or neighborhood. Yet, SFUSD’s response has been limited to words, not deeds. Our collective priority as CAA and NAACP is that every affected student and family receive the support they need and that SFUSD take direct and effective measures to prevent hate and harm from occurring.
“The hate speech and hostility faced by Black students and all students of color in San Francisco public schools on a daily basis is deeply troubling and entirely at odds with the responsibility of SFUSD. The leadership of the District must act, and act now, to guarantee students the safe and supportive learning environments they deserve and need to succeed.” — Rev. Amos C. Brown, president emeritus, San Francisco Branch, NAACP
“We stand with the NAACP in demanding that Black students can learn free from racism, harassment, and violence. SFUSD has a responsibility to educate students about the history of Black and Asian solidarity, confront anti-Black racism, and put that solidarity into practice. Every student deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive, and SFUSD must match its words with meaningful action.”— Vincent Pan, Co-Executive Director, Chinese for Affirmative Action
Our Call to Action
The San Francisco Branch of NAACP and CAA call on SFUSD to turn the commitments made by Superintendent Dr. Maria Su and Board of Education President Phil Kim in their October 16 statement into concrete, funded, and measurable action, and to execute on its commitments to:
1. Safe and equitable educational environments that are free from racial hostility and violence.
2. Uniform disciplinary standards and accountability that adhere, on paper and in practice, to applicable laws and the district handbook, including its hate-motivated behavior policy, with supportive and restorative measures for the students who were harmed.
3. Expand and fully fund Freedom Schools, Afro-centric educational programming that emphasizes academic excellence, cultural awareness, and student leadership.
4. Create an Afro-centric education model and school in SFUSD because everyone benefits from learning more about Black history, contributions, and history.
5. Host an annual district-wide Unity Day initiative that encourages cross-cultural awareness, dialogue, and unity among students, families, and communities.
These commitments must be accompanied by a public timeline and budget, with regular progress reports by SFUSD to the communities most affected. Accountability and solidarity must go hand in hand. The NAACP and CAA stand ready to work with SFUSD, educators, students, families, and community partners to turn words into lasting change.
The NAACP and CAA appreciate and recognize the importance of the October 16 statement from Superintendent Dr. Maria Su and Board of Education President Phil Kim affirming that racism, hate, discrimination, and harassment have no place in SFUSD, and the recognition of community concerns and its commitments to investigate incidents, support harmed students, and respond through education, restorative practices, and appropriate discipline. Ultimately, the test is whether students are safe, families see fair and consistent standards applied, and the district follows through with resources and clear timelines.
“Words are not enough for the students and families who are dealing with the destructive forces of hate speech and violence,” said Yulanda Williams, Vice President of the San Francisco Branch, NAACP. “They need and deserve SFUSD and this city’s leadership to match their commitment with resources, reporting and reform.”
A Shared History
There is a long history of Black and Asian communities standing together in the United States and in San Francisco. The Civil Rights Movement that Black Americans led and sacrificed for opened doors that Asian immigrant communities have also walked through. In 1968 and 1969, Black and Asian American students at San Francisco State College joined with Latine and Native American students in the Third World Liberation Front strike. Their demands led to the nation’s first College of Ethnic Studies. In San Francisco, our Black and Asian neighborhoods, including the Fillmore, Japantown, and the Bayview, have faced displacement and disinvestment together.
“Despite its liberal reputation, San Francisco has a long-standing racial achievement gap that has its roots in the inequalities in public education,” said Mfalme Gyvguiatsinataiwaya Mashairi, CEO/Executive Director of the non-profit Coleman Advocates. “We must build more effective, equitable and supportive schools for all students if we are to become the city we aspire to be – and that work starts with the community demanding action by its leaders.”
Our communities are strongest, and our city is safest, when we draw on this shared history to confront injustice together. Asian Americans have a necessary role in standing with Black communities against racism and advancing educational justice. Educating all our communities about our interconnected struggles and the history of Black and Asian solidarity helps us challenge prejudice, build mutual understanding, and ensure every student can learn with safety and dignity.
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About the San Francisco Branch of the NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st-century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. Learn more at NAACP.org
About Chinese for Affirmative Action
Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) was founded in 1969 to protect the civil and political rights of Chinese Americans and to advance multiracial democracy in the United States. Today, CAA is a progressive voice in and on behalf of the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We advocate for systemic change that protects immigrant rights, promotes language diversity, and remedies racial and social injustice. Learn more at caasf.org.