A small school district in Vermont has faced a barrage of racist and threatening calls and messages after flying the Somali flag in solidarity with its Somali student body. The Winooski School District began displaying the flag on December 5, following US President Donald Trump’s reference to Minnesota’s Somali community as “garbage.” The district’s move aimed to show support for its students, about 9% of whom are of Somali descent.
According to Winooski School District Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria, a Nicaraguan immigrant himself, the gesture was meant to provide “a little moment of normalcy” amidst a backdrop of national racist rhetoric. However, the district soon found itself facing a deluge of harassment, including phone calls, voicemails, and social media posts targeting staff and students.
The Somali flag was flown alongside the Vermont state flag and beneath the US flag at a building housing classrooms and administrative offices. Despite the initial positive response from Somali students, who cheered and clapped at the gesture, the district soon had to shut down some school phone lines and its website to shield staff from the abuse.
Chavarria expressed concern over the vicious attacks, stating that the content was “extremely deplorable.” Mukhtar Abdullahi, a multilingual liaison for Somali-speaking families in the district, emphasized that “no human being, regardless of where they come from, is garbage.” Students have reportedly asked if their immigrant parents are safe.
The district is cooperating with law enforcement to investigate the threats, and additional police officers have been stationed at school buildings as a precaution. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson attributed the harassment to individuals unaffiliated with Trump.
The incident comes as Trump has made repeated racist remarks against Somali immigrants in the US, with immigration agents increasing their operations against the Somali community in Minnesota. Trump has claimed that Somali immigrants “contribute nothing” and stated that he does not want them in the country. However, the Minneapolis mayor has defended the community, highlighting their contributions to the city’s economy and cultural fabric. Most Somali individuals in Minnesota are US citizens, with over half born in the US.
The Winooski School District’s experience underscores the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities in the US, particularly in the wake of divisive rhetoric and policies. As the district navigates this difficult situation, it remains committed to supporting its diverse student body and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect.