JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN 24) – A wave of support has poured in for Fred Douglass Elementary after a controversial Facebook comment by Tracy Theresa Anderson sparked outrage.
Anderson, upset that the school posted information in Spanish, wrote that she hoped “ICE hits Fred Douglass and takes the kids.”
Her remarks were widely condemned, with community members coming together to defend the school and denounce her comments.
However, while many rallied behind the school against Anderson’s rhetoric, some parents and former staff have also raised concerns about how the school’s dual-language program is being implemented.
Some feel it has led to a prioritization of Hispanic students and has pushed out the Black community from a school historically tied to their heritage.
Fred Douglass Elementary is named after Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist and former slave who championed education as the key to freedom and equality.
Many in Jacksonville believe that Douglass would have never stood for children being torn from their education due to immigration enforcement. His legacy is one of inclusion and opportunity, not exclusion.
Tracy Theresa Anderson’s Apology
Following the backlash, Anderson issued an apology directly messaged to TXAN 24 News, acknowledging that her remarks were inappropriate and harmful. While some in the community have accepted it, others remain deeply offended, arguing that her words exposed a deeper issue of anti-immigrant sentiment in Jacksonville.
We look forward to scheduling a time to speaking with Anderson directly to hear more about her apology’s
Concerns About the Dual-Language Program
While the school’s supporters defended its bilingual efforts, others—particularly some Black parents and teachers—have expressed frustration over how the program has been implemented.
Some claim that:
• The dual-language program was originally meant to enrich English-speaking students by exposing them to Spanish but has instead become dominated by native Spanish speakers.
• Black and white students receive less attention at school events, with more social media coverage and school recognition seemingly given to Hispanic students in dual-language programs.
• Teachers and staff who are not Hispanic feel overlooked, with some alleging that Black educators are treated unfairly compared to their Hispanic colleagues.
• Some Jacksonville ISD programs are placed strategically at certain schools, leading to what some see as modern-day segregation rather than enrichment.
While these concerns have nothing to do with Anderson’s remarks about ICE, they highlight a growing frustration among some families who feel that Fred Douglass Elementary, a school that was historically Black, has shifted in a way that does not equally serve all students.
Balancing Inclusion & Equity in Education
The debate surrounding Fred Douglass Elementary goes beyond language—it’s about balance and equity.
There’s no denying that bilingual education is important, especially in a diverse state like Texas.
However, the question being raised is whether the current system unintentionally prioritizes one group over others and whether Jacksonville ISD needs to reassess how programs are structured to ensure fairness.
Moving Forward: A Call for Open Discussion
At its core, this issue is about preserving the legacy of Fred Douglass while ensuring every student—regardless of race or language—feels equally valued.
The recent controversy has brought both unity and division to Jacksonville, but the best path forward will require open conversations, transparency from school leadership, and a commitment to fair educational opportunities for all.
As Jacksonville continues to evolve, the challenge will be ensuring that schools like Fred Douglass remain true to their history while embracing the diversity of the present.
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