When we talk about building school communities where every student belongs, where every educator feels respected, and where learning happens without fear or shame, we can no longer avoid one of the most painful truths in our schools: The N-word is still being used, and it causes real harm.

At New Haven Unified School District, located in the heart of Union City, we decided to stop talking around the issue and start addressing it head-on. The result? A districtwide campaign to eliminate the N-word from our campuses by fostering empathy, historical understanding, and a culture rooted in dignity. The process hasn’t been easy, but it’s brought our students, staff, and community into conversation in a way that has opened eyes and changed hearts.

This article is not a blueprint; it’s a field note. It tells the story of how one district decided to take a stand on a divisive subject, what we learned along the way, and how others might do the same.

Facing the problem, not avoiding it The N-word has a complicated and violent history, one that cannot be separated from the legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism in this country. Yet, among youth — particularly in music, pop culture, and social media — it’s often used casually, sometimes even as a term of endearment.

But inside the walls of our schools, the word doesn’t land lightly. When it’s said in hallways, whispered in classrooms, or used online, it stings. For Black students and staff, it reinforces feelings of invisibility, disrespect, and historical trauma. For non-Black students, it’s often misunderstood or misused, sometimes without awareness of the impact.

At NHUSD, we began to notice diverse viewpoints and patterns: Black students were reporting they heard the word daily. Many teachers were unsure how to respond. Administrators worried about being inconsistent. Some parents were confused — “If it’s in the music, why can’t they say it at school?”

We realized we needed to start with a shared truth: This word causes harm at school. Period.

Building a coalition for change Instead of rolling out a top-down mandate, we built a coalition. Our Director of Equity, Access and Achievement presented “The N word and What to Do About It: A Love Offering” at the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators conference in March 2023. As planned, we brought together a team of superintendents and district leaders. Joining NHUSD were Castro Valley Unified School District and Hayward Unified School District, plus the Alameda County Office of Education — to explore the issue.

We asked three questions:

What emerged from those conversations was a collective desire to do something meaningful, not punitive. We didn’t want to “ban a word.” We wanted to educate, affirm, and restore.

That’s what this work is about.

What we did (and are still doing) We launched a districtwide campaign, “Eliminating Hate: Together We’re Better — Cultivating Belonging and Dignity.” Here’s what that has included so far:

Resolution and policy update: We passed a board resolution condemning the use of the N-word and committing to restorative, educational responses. We updated our anti-discrimination policy to specifically address racial slurs including the N-word.

Professional development: Staff participated in Restoring Dignity Hate Speech/N-word sessions, and training on implicit bias and how to facilitate conversations about harm and healing.

Communication tools: We developed guidelines and resources for staff and community.

Student curriculum: We created lesson modules for dignity ambassadors and videos exploring the history of the N-word, language and identity.

Student agreement and pledges: Elementary students signed a class pledge to not use the word and over 2,500 secondary students agreed in writing to not use the word at school.

Restorative learning consequences: When the word is used, our response focuses on repair — not punishment, unless it is used to demean, intimidate or bully. Students engage in reflection circles, dialogue, and learning activities.

Visual campaigns: Posters, hallway displays, and social media graphics remind the community: “Why we don’t use the N-word.”

Community conversations planned for fall 2025: Parent nights, town halls, and affinity group discussions to help build a shared understanding across generations.

Lessons we’re learning Consistency matters: All schools need clear guidance and tools to respond. We created an N-word response protocol so staff can act with confidence.

Education over discipline: Students respond when they understand why something is harmful. Our approach is grounded in restorative justice, not zero tolerance.

Staff need support, too: These conversations are hard. We held staff affinity spaces and leadership coaching to ensure adults were prepared.

This is long-term work: You can’t “solve” racism with one assembly. This work must be embedded into school culture, curriculum, leadership priorities and reviewed and introduced each school year.

Community voice deepens impact: Our work accelerated when families — especially Black parents — were part of the solution, not just bystanders or critics.

Practical tips for getting started Start with listening: Survey students, hold listening circles, and invite anonymous feedback.

Name the harm: Use clear language. Avoid euphemisms. Acknowledge the racial history. Involve students in solutions: Empower youth to lead awareness campaigns and co-design content.

Train your staff: Offer PD on culturally responsive language and classroom management. Align policies: Review your discipline, dress code, and conduct policies for equity and clarity.

Be transparent: Communicate with families about the why behind the work.

Celebrate progress: Highlight student work, teacher champions, and moments of learning.

We don’t all have to agree on every detail of race, language, or discipline. But we can agree that every student deserves to feel safe, seen, and respected. We can agree that our schools should be places where harm is acknowledged and healed — not ignored or excused.

At New Haven Unified, the journey to eliminate the N-word from schools is really a journey to build a stronger, more loving school culture. We still have work to do, and we invite others to join us — not just in eliminating a word, but in affirming the dignity of every voice.

For more information or to join the coalition, reach out at znobles@nhusd.k12.ca.us.