Francis Howell Forward Calls on FHSD to Address a Pattern of Racial Incidents

Contact: FrancisHowellForward@gmail.com

For Immediate Release:

September 25, 2025

Francis Howell is in the headlines once again. This time, writings appeared on multiple bathroom stalls at Francis Howell High, featuring the N-word alongside threats of rape and murder. This incident comes after a string of concerning incidents* the district saw last school year: 

• Classmates calling Black students monkeys.

• Students shouting the N-word on the bus.

• A student appearing in blackface on social media.

• Reports of the N word being shouted down the halls at Francis Howell Central.

Regardless of intent, these actions create a hostile environment for students of color and encourage others to follow suit. Clearly, the failure here is not with our kids, but with adults unwilling to confront what has become obvious—leaving students to pay the price.

Francis Howell Forward’s mission states: Francis Howell Forward is dedicated to preserving and protecting public schools and to advancing equity education in order to prepare students for success in a global community and workforce.

We call on Francis Howell leaders to not only address this incident but to address their larger culture and climate and to prepare students for interactions in a diverse world. Districtwide problems require district wide solutions.

*Francis Howell Forward has verified each of these incidents with photos, recordings, and multiple eyewitness accounts.