Julian Blevins, a 16-year-old sophomore at Chesterton High School in Indiana, has taken a stand against racism after experiencing derogatory slurs throughout his time at the school. In a heartfelt social media post, he shared his discomfort with being called the N-word multiple times since starting seventh grade. “It’s 2026, the 21st century. This shouldn’t still be happening,” Julian expressed, prompting significant community response.
Following Julian’s post, Erin Collins, the President of the Chesterton Town Council, addressed the issue during a meeting, voicing concerns raised by constituents about the allegations of racism. Although she did not mention Julian by name, her comments resonated with many, emphasizing that “there’s no place for racism, hate speech or threats in our community.”
School Administration Responds to Allegations
On January 9, 2026, Chesterton High School Principal Brent Martinson sent an email to parents and students, reaffirming the school’s intolerance for harassment based on race. He noted that the administration thoroughly investigated the complaints raised in Julian’s post, although he did not specifically name him. “We do not tolerate harassment of students for any reasons, including race,” Martinson stated.
In conjunction with these developments, Chip Pettit, Superintendent of the Duneland School Corporation, issued a statement reiterating that the district does not condone harassment or discrimination. He assured that complaints are handled consistently with board policy and applicable laws. However, Julian’s mother, Natalie Cole, expressed dissatisfaction with the school’s response, indicating she had met with school officials multiple times but felt their communication lacked urgency.
In response to ongoing issues, Cole filed a complaint with the federal Office for Civil Rights, highlighting her concerns that the school environment remained hostile towards her son. “These incidents are not isolated but represent a pattern of racial harassment that has gone unremedied,” her complaint detailed, referencing her initial contact with the district in October 2024.
Incidents Leading to Suspension
The situation escalated when Julian received a two-day suspension on December 11, 2025, for what was termed “disrespect” towards a teacher. The incident began when a letter Julian wrote to Santa Claus was removed from his backpack during class. He later received a “reply from Santa” filled with racial slurs, including statements that were not only offensive but also included his home address. This prompted Julian to file a complaint with school officials.
After receiving the suspension, Julian maintained that he was not blaming the teacher for the incident but felt unfairly punished for addressing harm done to him. In his letter to parents, Martinson mentioned that the school conducted a thorough investigation involving interviews with students, staff, and consultations with local police. “Any future allegations will be investigated and addressed in alignment with school rules,” he said.
Despite the investigation, Cole contends that the school has not adequately addressed the root of the issues. “I truly feel that he got in trouble because he said something,” she remarked, suggesting that Julian’s courage to speak out may have contributed to his suspension.
Following the winter break, Julian reported another racially charged incident when an unknown student called him the N-word at school. This led him to turn to social media for support, stating, “People call me derogatory names and act like I’m supposed to take it.” His post highlighted the normalization of such language and called for accountability within the school environment.
Collins’ remarks at the Town Council meeting acknowledged the historical context of racism in Northwest Indiana, emphasizing that the community must recognize and address its painful past. She noted that Chesterton was once known as a “sundown” town, a term used to describe areas where Black individuals were not welcome after dark.
Julian, who is also a member of the school’s track team, expressed a desire for change, not only for himself but also for his younger brother who will soon attend Chesterton High School. “If I feel a way about something, I am going to let you know whether you like it or not,” he declared, advocating for a more positive school experience for future students.
As the community grapples with these challenges, Julian’s voice has become a significant catalyst for discussions around race and inclusivity at Chesterton High School. His hope for change reflects a growing demand for accountability and a commitment to fostering a safe environment for all students.
