A student at Chesterton High School has publicly addressed the issue of racism at his school, prompting a community-wide discussion. Sixteen-year-old **Julian Blevins** took to social media to share his experiences with racial slurs since starting school there in seventh grade. In his post, he expressed his love for the school and stated, “It’s 2026, the 21st century. This shouldn’t still be happening.” His comments have triggered a significant response from local officials and educators.
During a recent Town Council meeting, **Erin Collins**, President of the Chesterton Town Council, acknowledged concerns raised by constituents regarding allegations of racism. While she did not specifically name Blevins, her remarks were clearly influenced by his social media post. “There’s no place for racism, hate speech or threats in our community,” Collins stated, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for children.
In response to Blevins’ post, **Brent Martinson**, Principal of Chesterton High School, sent a letter to parents and students on **January 9, 2026**, reaffirming the school’s stance against harassment based on race. Martinson indicated that the school had conducted a thorough investigation into the complaint referenced in Blevins’ social media post. He did not mention Blevins by name but stated that the school does not tolerate any form of harassment.
**Chip Pettit**, Superintendent of the Duneland School Corporation, reiterated the district’s commitment to addressing harassment and discrimination. However, Natalie Cole, Blevins’ mother, expressed frustration with the school’s responses to her concerns. Cole has previously met with Martinson and communicated with district officials, feeling that their replies suggested a dismissive attitude toward her complaints.
As a result, Cole filed a complaint with the federal Office for Civil Rights, part of the U.S. Department of Education. In her filing, she pointed out that despite notifying the district about the ongoing issues since **October 2024**, her son continues to endure an environment filled with hate speech. “These incidents are not isolated but represent a pattern of racial harassment,” her complaint read.
The situation escalated on **December 11, 2025**, when Blevins received a two-day suspension for “disrespecting” a teacher. This followed an incident in which a letter he had written to Santa was removed from his backpack. When a classmate returned the letter, it included a response filled with racial slurs. Blevins shared a photo of the letter on social media, highlighting a line that stated, “I don’t give black people presents because they are always stealing.”
Julian reported the incident to his criminal justice teacher and later filed a complaint with an assistant principal, who assured him that an investigation would take place. Following the investigation, which included interviews and consultation with local police officers, the school administration indicated disciplinary actions had been taken, although it remains unclear whether the student responsible for the letter faced consequences.
Cole believes that her son was penalized for speaking out. She expressed concern that the school’s response was insufficient and that more decisive action is required to address racism within the school environment.
Blevins, who is also a member of the track team, is determined to advocate for change, not only for himself but for his younger brother as well. “If I feel a way about something, I am going to let you know whether you like it or not,” he stated. He hopes that by raising awareness, he can contribute to creating a more inclusive atmosphere at Chesterton High School.
Council President Collins highlighted the historical context of racism in Northwest Indiana, noting that Chesterton had a reputation as a “sundown” town where Black individuals were not welcome after dark. According to **Serena Ard**, curator of the Westchester Township Museum, the town’s demographics have changed only slightly since the arrival of Bethlehem Steel in **1964**, which provided some economic opportunities but did not significantly diversify the population.
As of the **2024 U.S. Census**, Chesterton is reported to be **88.9%** white, with only **1.5%** of its population identifying as Black. The lack of diversity has contributed to an environment where incidents like Blevins’ experiences can occur without adequate challenge.
Julian’s story reflects a broader need for dialogue about racism and inclusivity in schools. With his social media post, he has sparked a conversation that many hope will lead to meaningful change for current and future students at Chesterton High School.
