Female crossing guard in a hijab heckled by anti-mask protesters at Brentwood school
Colorful chalk messages of support, flowers and thank-you notes lined the sidewalks at a Brentwood elementary school one day after a crossing guard wearing a hijab was heckled by anti-mask protesters.
Students and parents witnessed the verbal attack as the female crossing guard was helping children cross the street on Tuesday morning at Ron Nunn Elementary School, according to officials.
In a letter sent to parents on Tuesday, Brentwood Elementary School Superintendent Dana Eaton said protesters at the intersection of Central Boulevard and Rose Block Terrace began shouting “This is not the Taliban, this is America, take off your mask” multiple times at the crossing guard.
“This type of hate speech has no place in our schools or our community,” Eaton wrote. “I am devastated for our dedicated crossing guard who had to endure that speech this morning.”
“I am very concerned that multiple children heard the same hate speech on their way to school and wanted to alert parents,” he added.
Eaton further apologized to the crossing guard and the students who heard the heckling and noted that counseling was available.
Since then, parents, teachers and students have responded by writing notes of support and flowers for the crossing guard. Eaton himself posted a photo on Twitter of the thank you gifts placed at the intersection for the crossing guard.
The superintendent said police were called and are investigating.
Brentwood Police Lt. Walter O’Grodnick on Wednesday confirmed police were investigating.
“If it rises to the level of a criminal complaint, the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney for review,” he said.
Check back for updates.