Francis Howell Forward Calls on FHSD and St. Charles County to Address a Pattern of Racial Incidents
- Francis Howell Forward
- Oct 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Contact: FrancisHowellForward@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2025
Francis Howell Forward condemns the graffiti recently discovered at Howell High—which referenced the rape and murder of Black students—as a hate crime. The fact that this act was carried out by a district custodian, now under arrest, highlights not only an individual’s responsibility but also the urgent need for stronger safeguards within the Francis Howell School District (FHSD).
This incident is not an isolated one. It follows a pattern of racial hostility within FHSD: a noose found on school grounds, repeated racial harassment, and ongoing failures to respond with the urgency these incidents demand. Instead of strengthening protections, the previous Board’s actions made clear that protecting students from racism was not a priority. Years ago, FHSD leaders even received training on interview bias—a practice abandoned as leaders chose denial over prevention. These missed opportunities have left students vulnerable and the broader community less safe.
What happens in our schools mirrors a larger challenge across St. Charles County, where we hear constant claims that our “law and order” is superior to that of our St. Louis neighbors but where hate crimes have been overlooked by prosecutors. The first step is to hold this individual fully accountable under the law. Only then can we begin the urgent work to rebuild a safe environment for every student. Racial violence doesn’t just traumatize Black students—it distracts, emboldens, and endangers everyone, undermining learning and safety for all. We call on FHSD leadership—board members and administrators alike—to take immediate action:
Clarify and strengthen reporting procedures and ensure accountability at all levels.
Provide bias, prevention, and cultural humility training.
Reestablish practices and policies that build a positive climate, including social-emotional learning and mental health supports.
Ensure transparency and documentation at both the building and district levels.
To our community: safety depends on us all. Don’t accept a culture where hate goes unchecked. Even where institutions falter, our community can take a stand and insist on accountability. Report concerns at the building level. Insist on documentation and share your experiences through the Francis Howell Forward contact form at FrancisHowellForward.org.
