JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN) — The Jacksonville community has come together in defense of Fred Douglass Elementary School after a social media post by Tracy Theresa Anderson sparked controversy over bilingual communication efforts.
Anderson took to Facebook to express anger over the school posting information in Spanish, even going as far as saying she “hopes ICE hits Fred Douglass and takes the kids.”
Her comment was met with immediate backlash, with Jacksonville residents condemning it as hateful and unrepresentative of the town’s values.
Community members quickly rallied behind the school, emphasizing that education should be a right for all children, regardless of their background.
Fred Douglass Elementary, now a bilingual school, carries the name of a man who would have never stood for children being ripped from education.
Frederick Douglass, a former slave who became a powerful abolitionist and advocate for education, understood the importance of learning as a tool for freedom.
His legacy is one of inclusion, justice, and the belief that every child deserves the right to learn, regardless of race or status.
Jacksonville has already felt the impact of immigration enforcement, with TXAN 24 News previously reporting on Hispanic residents being taken by ICE.
For many, Anderson’s hateful remark served as a reminder of the struggles immigrant families face daily.
But the town’s response was clear: Jacksonville stands with Fred Douglass Elementary.
Educators, parents, and residents continue to support the school’s bilingual approach, ensuring that all students and families feel welcomed and informed.
As Jacksonville pushes forward, one thing remains certain—hatred has no place in the classroom.
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