A mother’s relentless pursuit of justice has shed light on systemic racial harassment at a Colorado charter school, resulting in a federal investigation and mandated reforms.
Stephanie Watson Lewis, a Black mother and community advocate, confronted Liberty Common High School administrators after her biracial son endured daily racial slurs, humiliation, and threats during the 2023-24 school year.
The incidents ranged from students calling her son, then a sophomore, racial slurs such as the “n-word” and “monkey” to mocking Black Lives Matter and referencing harmful racial stereotypes.
Despite reporting the harassment to Principal Robert Robinson in January 2024, the school’s initial measures failed to curb the toxic environment, prompting Watson Lewis to file a racial discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in February.
OCR Findings Confirm School’s Failure
Following a months-long investigation, the OCR issued a scathing 13-page report in September, citing Liberty Common High School for failing to take effective action to prevent and address the racial harassment.
The OCR determined that the school’s inaction created a “racially hostile environment” for Watson Lewis’s son, impacting both his emotional well-being and academic performance.
Among the report’s revelations:
- Lax Disciplinary Actions: Students caught making racist remarks received minimal consequences, such as a single day of in-school reflection.
- Unreported Incidents: Teachers who overheard or witnessed racist behavior failed to report it to school administrators, violating mandatory reporting requirements.
- Ineffective Policies: The school lacked sufficient policies addressing racial harassment, allowing the hostile environment to persist.
Resolution Agreement and Reforms
As part of the resolution agreement signed in September, Liberty Common School and Poudre School District are required to implement extensive changes, including:
- Developing and disseminating clear anti-harassment policies.
- Providing mandatory training for staff on handling racial harassment.
- Improving recordkeeping of complaints and incidents.
- Offering counseling and academic support to the victimized student.
The OCR is monitoring the school’s compliance, with a deadline for the initial phase set for December.
Mother’s Fight Continues
While initial steps have been taken to address the issue, Watson Lewis remains critical of the school’s response.
She highlighted ongoing racial insensitivity and insufficient accountability for past failures.
“Bullying is not the same as racial harassment,” she said. “Writing a letter about being a good person is not punishment for six months of torment.”
Watson Lewis is determined to hold the school accountable and is exploring further legal action if the OCR agreement is not fully implemented.
“This isn’t just about my son—it’s about ensuring no other child has to endure what he went through,” she stated. “Parents deserve to send their kids to school without fearing discrimination.”
A Community Call to Action
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of racism in educational institutions, particularly in predominantly white schools.
Advocates hope it will inspire other parents to speak out against inequities and demand systemic change.
For now, Watson Lewis’s son, now a junior, reports a slight improvement in his school environment. However, both mother and son emphasize that much work remains to create a truly inclusive and supportive space for students of all backgrounds.
