This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah's governor and top education leader have received numerous reports of "harassment and bullying in our schools" since Election Day, according to a joint statement, and are urging Utahns to come together.
"Regardless of the motivation, we do not condone this type of behavior. ... These reported acts go strongly against American principles," states the letter, issued by Gov. Gary Herbert and Superintendent Sydnee Dickson.
"We encourage students to reach out in friendship and support to others, including those who may look, sound, or think differently than themselves," the letter continues. "As a nation, we need more kindness, and we believe Utah can lead the way."
In the days since Donald Trump was named president-elect of the United States, several Utah school districts have reported incidents of racially motivated bullying at schools.
Utah Board of Education spokeswoman Emilie Wheeler said it is unclear exactly how many incidents have occurred, but added that it was enough for administrators to respond on social media and school websites.
"If they're feeling the need to say things publicly, they're probably dealing with more than one or two [cases]," she said.
Terryl Warner, a victim's advocate and member of the Utah Board of Education, said she is aware of roughly a dozen cases of harassment at middle and high schools within the Logan and Cache County school districts.
Latino students and other children of color were told to "go back to Mexico," she said, or otherwise taunted about deportation and racial discrimination.
"Parents really need to teach their children respect," she said.
She said administrators were quick to respond when notified and is pleased with their handling of the incidents.
"We're not going to tolerate bullying," she said.
The letter advises parents and school employees to take reports of harassment seriously and immediately contact an administrator.
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