UPDATE: A powerful social media post by Julian Blevins, a 16-year-old sophomore at Chesterton High School, has ignited urgent discussions about racism in the school community. In his post, Julian revealed he has faced racial slurs since seventh grade, stating, “It’s 2026, the 21st century. This shouldn’t still be happening.”
Julian’s candid message struck a chord, prompting Erin Collins, the President of the Chesterton Town Council, to address the issue during a council meeting on January 9, 2026. Although she refrained from naming Julian due to his age, her remarks directly referenced his experiences, emphasizing that “there’s no place for racism, hate speech or threats in our community.”
In response, Brent Martinson, Principal of Chesterton High School, sent an email to parents and students, affirming the school’s commitment to a harassment-free environment. “Chesterton High School does not tolerate harassment of students for any reasons, including race,” he stated, outlining how the administration is investigating the matter.
Julian’s situation escalated after he received a two-day suspension for allegedly disrespecting a teacher. This came after a student returned a letter he had written to Santa, which contained racial slurs. Julian’s mother, Natalie Cole, expressed her frustration, stating that the school had failed to adequately address the ongoing issues of racism her son faced. She has now filed a formal complaint with the Office for Civil Rights under the U.S. Department of Education.
Cole’s complaint highlights that Julian has endured a hostile school environment since October 2024. “As of 2026, my son continues to experience a school environment where hate speech and racial hostility persist,” she wrote, calling for the Duneland School Corporation to take serious action.
The troubling incident began on December 11, 2025, when a fellow student handed Julian a letter filled with derogatory remarks. Shockingly, the letter included a statement claiming, “I don’t give black people presents because they are always stealing or destroying shoes.” This revelation led Julian to take his experiences public, sharing his story online, where he lamented the normalization of racial slurs within the school.
Social media has acted as a catalyst for community dialogue, with numerous individuals rallying around Julian to support his call for change. Collins emphasized that historical context matters, noting that parts of Northwest Indiana’s history have perpetuated exclusion and harm.
Chesterton, with a population that is approximately 88.9% white, has a long-standing reputation for its lack of racial diversity. The community is now facing a critical moment to address these ingrained issues.
Julian, who is also an athlete on the school’s track team, hopes his actions will inspire change for younger students, particularly his eighth-grade brother. “I hope for change. With this, I hope to start a little bit of something,” he said, demonstrating his determination to stand against racism.
As the situation unfolds, attention remains on how the school district will respond to the complaints and what steps will be taken to ensure a safe environment for all students. Community members are urged to support Julian’s cause and engage in meaningful conversations about racism and inclusion in education.
This developing story continues to resonate within the Chesterton community, highlighting the urgent need for action against racial discrimination in schools.
