Parents Rally After Racist Image of Black Child Wearing Ankle Device Shared Among Staff

A teacher from California is facing significant backlash after allegedly sharing a racially insensitive image in a group chat that featured a Black child wearing an ankle monitor. John Solomon, an educator at MacArthur Elementary School in Lakewood, has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation takes place regarding a May incident involving a group chat with eleven colleagues. The contentious image was labeled “My First Ankle Monitor,” accompanied by a message stating, “We need this for our runners!” This comment has been interpreted as derogatory towards special education students known to wander. Following remarks from fellow educators expressing concern, Solomon claimed his phone was hacked. However, an investigative committee deemed his assertion “simply not credible.” Although Solomon stepped down from the union's bargaining committee, he refrained from resigning as executive board secretary. This refusal has led to a recall effort spearheaded by a fellow teacher, while the Long Beach school district continues its investigation into the matter. (Credit: KTLA Video Screengrab)