A student from Chesterton High School has publicly addressed the issue of racism within the school’s environment, sharing his experiences through social media. Sixteen-year-old Julian Blevins expressed his frustration with the prevalence of racial slurs at the school, stating, “I love Chesterton High School, I really do. But I’ve been called the N-word multiple times since coming here in seventh grade. It’s 2026, the 21st century. This shouldn’t still be happening.” His post has garnered significant attention, prompting responses from local officials and school administrators.
During a recent Town Council meeting, Erin Collins, President of the Chesterton Town Council, highlighted the community’s concerns regarding racism. While she did not mention Blevins by name, it was clear she was referring to his social media post. “There’s no place for racism, hate speech or threats in our community,” Collins stated. “Words matter, and when harmful behavior is minimized or left unchallenged, it grows.”
In response to the situation, Brent Martinson, Principal of Chesterton High School, sent a letter to parents and students on January 9, 2026. He emphasized that the school does not tolerate harassment of any kind, including racial harassment. Martinson confirmed that the school conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations, although he did not name Blevins in his communication.
The Duneland School Corporation Superintendent, Chip Pettit, provided a statement to the Post-Tribune, asserting that the corporation does not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination. He noted that all complaints are addressed according to Board policy and applicable laws. Despite this assurance, Blevins’ mother, Natalie Cole, has expressed her dissatisfaction with the school’s response, claiming that her concerns have been dismissed.
Cole has taken further action by filing a complaint against Chesterton High School with the federal Office for Civil Rights, part of the U.S. Department of Education. In her complaint, she detailed that her son has faced a hostile school environment with persistent hate speech, despite having notified the school district about the issues since October 2024.
The incident that escalated the situation occurred on December 11, 2025, when Blevins received a two-day suspension for “disrespect” toward a teacher. He had written a letter to Santa Claus, which was later found by another student who returned it to him with a note filled with racial slurs. The letter contained offensive remarks, including a line that stated, “I know where you live,” which listed Blevins’ actual address.
After discussing the incident with his criminal justice teacher and filing a complaint, Blevins felt that his concerns were not taken seriously. He reported that another student used a racial slur against him after the winter break, prompting him to share his experiences on social media. “The same word I’ve heard in the halls, the same word that gets brushed off like it’s nothing,” he wrote, emphasizing the need for change.
Collins, during her statement at the Town Council meeting, acknowledged the historical context of racism in Northwest Indiana, referring to Chesterton’s past as a “sundown town,” where Black residents were not welcome after dark. This history contributes to the current racial dynamics in the area, which remains predominantly white—Chesterton is 88.9% white, while the Black population stands at just 1.5%, according to 2024 U.S. Census data.
Blevins, who is also a member of the school’s track team, hopes that his actions will inspire change for future students, particularly for his younger brother who will soon attend the same school. “If I feel a way about something, I am going to let you know whether you like it or not,” he stated. “I hope for change. With this, I hope to start a little bit of something.”
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Chesterton High School and the Duneland School Corporation will address these serious concerns and work towards creating a more inclusive environment for all students.