Former Middlebury Middle School dean speaks out over alleged racism

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. (WCAX) - The former dean of Middlebury Union Middle School spoke out at Monday’s school district board meeting about racism she says she endured at the school.

Esther Charlestin left her position at the school at the start of this school year because she says racial slurs were written about her on the bathroom stalls.

Monday, in front of the Addison Central School District board, she said it wasn’t until her loved ones called it out as racism that she says she was able to put words behind her feelings.

“The writing was on the wall. But what was the community response to how many students walked into the bathroom? What policies? Do we have a place where things are not just hidden? But how do we support students and let them know that this is not OK? And this is not tolerated in our spaces,” said Charlestin.

Members of the public voiced their support for Charlestin.

There was no official action taken by the board.

Related Story:

Addison County educator steps down after enduring racial slurs

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