Jeff Rumage

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Whitefish Bay School District has learned that some white students have asked their black classmates for permission to use the n-word.

In a letter sent home to parents, Whitefish Bay School District Superintendent John Thomsen said he felt it was important to act quickly after hearing the reports.

"Harmful and discriminatory language has no home in the School District of Whitefish Bay," he said.

According to the letter, some students in the school district asked black students whether they could have a "n-pass," "black-pass" or "black-card." Essentially, the white students were asking their black classmates for permission to use the n-word.

Thomsen stated the district received a small number of community and co-curricular school reports about this behavior. In conversations with students, however, the district found the behavior is a "more common occurrence than reported."

"We are deeply troubled to hear that any of our students believe that it is appropriate to use this kind of abusive, racially-charged language under any circumstances," Thomsen wrote in the letter.

Thomsen also acknowledged that "a great majority of our students consistently make thoughtful and respectful decisions."

Thomsen said middle and high school leaders will talk to their students about why the "n-pass" and other derogatory names are unacceptable and what the consequences are for using this type of language.

Thomsen also encouraged parents to have conversations with their children about race.

If parents find out their child has asked another student for a "n-pass," Thomsen encouraged those parents to find out why they feel the need to use the word. He also suggested those parents ask their child whether they know the meaning of this word or whether they understand how the word is hurtful.

"As a district, it is imperative that we are intentional about the work of cultural competence and relevance when it comes to race," Thomsen wrote. "In your conversations with your children, they may present you with questions you’re not sure how to answer. We may not know the answer either, but we stand ready to partner

with you to help explore these questions."

Contact Jeff Rumage at (262) 446-6616 or jeff.rumage@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JeffRumage or Facebook at www.facebook.com/northshorenow.