The family of a California Black fifth grader is raising their concerns after the child was gifted a toy monkey, toilet and fake poop as prize for school fundraising.
Genesis Thomas, a student at Mann Elementary School in Long Beach, a Los Angeles suburb, raised $160 for the fundraiser. In return, her teacher gave her the toy, which her great-uncle, Craig Polk, found inappropriate.
“African Americans have been referred to as monkeys throughout history, and for her to receive a monkey... It’s unacceptable, just unacceptable,” he told Fox 11. The family now wants an apology and for the school’s staff to undergo sensitivity training.
The elementary school is located in the city’s upscale Belmont Heights neighborhood, where roughly four percent of residents are Black. It’s unclear if the student was the only one given the toy or if she was targeted in the incident. The highest prize in the competition was a mini fridge.
The family says the youngster was unfazed by the gift.
The student’s family members say they contacted the school’s principal last week and again on Monday, but did not get a response. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Long Beach Unified School District said the toy was one of several prizes available and all prizes and their corresponding donation levels were communicated to families in advance.
“Multiple students received this prize as part of their fundraising achievements,” the spokesperson said. “While the school’s intention was to provide lighthearted and fun rewards for students, we recognize that this particular item was not appropriate for our school setting.”
The district is now reviewing its prize selection process to ensure future prizes reflect school values and expectations to provide a positive and welcoming experience.
“We want to be clear that there was no intention to cause harm or offense. We sincerely apologize for any hurt or frustration this situation may have caused to our students, families, and the broader school community,” the spokesperson said.
