School board member plans community forum after racist post

TL;DR: A Chesterfield school board member is planning community forums to address racial issues after a student created a racist social media post targeting a Huguenot High School football player.

The story

A Midlothian High School student created an altered image showing a Huguenot High School football player's face superimposed on the body of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black student-athlete from Mississippi whose death during an Independence Day boating trip received national attention this summer. The image circulated on social media following a rival football game between the two schools in late September. A school board investigation determined the student who created the post was not affiliated with Midlothian's football team and made the post off-campus using a personal device.

Dominique Chatters, representing the Dale District on the Chesterfield County School Board, described the image as "racist and threatening and wildly inappropriate." Chatters said she has received numerous conversations, phone calls, and emails from families across Chesterfield County describing racial issues they have encountered in schools. "It's disgusting and it still hurts," Chatters said of the post.

The Chesterfield and Richmond NAACP chapters called for action, demanding that county leaders meet to review policies governing consequences for students engaged in racist behavior.

In response, Chatters is working with the Chesterfield County School Board's Office of Equity, the NAACP, and VCIC (Virginia Civic Engagement Center) to organize public forums where students, parents, and residents can discuss their racial experiences and identify ways to prevent racist behavior. The first forum is expected before the end of 2026, though specific details have not yet been announced.

Midlothian High Principal Shawn Abel issued a statement condemning the post: "The post does not align with the values of Midlothian High School or its football team. Its content is unacceptable to Midlothian High School and Chesterfield County Public Schools."

Key players

• Dominique Chatters: Chesterfield County School Board member, Dale District; organizing community forums
• Chesterfield County School Board Office of Equity: Co-organizer of community forums
• Chesterfield and Richmond NAACP: Community advocates calling for action; co-organizing forums
• Shawn Abel: Midlothian High School principal; issued statement condemning the post

Key dates

• 2026-12-31: Community forum expected by end of year (specific date not yet announced)

Why it matters: The forums provide an opportunity for Chesterfield families and students to address racial incidents and concerns in schools, potentially shaping how the district responds to racist behavior and supports students affected by such incidents.

Places

• Huguenot High School
• Midlothian High School
• Chesterfield County Public Schools

Related links

• Chesterfield County Public Schools
• NAACP Richmond Branch

Read the original at Google News: Chesterfield School Board →

Sources

• Chesterfield School Board member calls for community forums following racist social media post
• NAACP calls for action after altered image of Huguenot football player
• Chesterfield school leaders condemn altered image targeting Huguenot football player
• Parents demand action after Nolan Wells post targeting Huguenot football players