A family in Long Beach, California, is demanding answers and an apology after a fifth-grader received what they consider an inappropriate prize from her school’s fundraiser. Genesis Thomas, a student at Mann Elementary School, was awarded a toy monkey and a toilet with fake poop after raising $160 for the school. Her family found the prize offensive and unacceptable, particularly given the historical context of racial slurs associated with monkeys.
Genesis’s great uncle, Craig Polk, expressed the family’s outrage, stating, “It was the prize that she received that we found inappropriate. The prize was a monkey and a toilet with poop in it. African Americans have been referred to as monkeys throughout history and for her to receive a monkey… it’s unacceptable, just unacceptable.” Despite the family’s concerns, Genesis herself was reportedly unfazed by the gift.
The family reached out to the school’s principal on Friday (March 21) and again on Monday (March 24) but have yet to receive a response. According to FOX 11, other students received different prizes, with the highest being a mini fridge. The family is uncertain if Genesis was specifically targeted due to her race.
As of now, the school has not commented on the situation, and Yahoo News reports that they have also reached out to the school without receiving a response.
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