Elementary school teacher caught sending truly awful racist picture of child
A Southern California teacher accused of circulating a racist meme has left his position after investigators concluded his claim that he was hacked was not credible.
John Solomon, a longtime educator with the Long Beach Unified School District, retired while facing possible disciplinary action following a months-long investigation into the incident, according to reporting from the Long Beach Post.
The controversy involved an image shared in a private group chat that sparked widespread concern among staff, parents, and community members. The meme showed a cartoon of a Black child wearing an ankle monitor with the caption: “We need this for our runners.” Colleagues said the message appeared to reference students who leave campus without permission, and raised concerns that it mocked both students of color and students with disabilities.
An independent investigation commissioned by the district concluded the message “belittled students of color and students with disabilities,” and contributed to a harmful environment that undermined Solomon’s ability to teach effectively.
Solomon denied sending the message, saying his phone had been hacked. However, both a teachers union investigative panel and district officials rejected that explanation. Investigators cited inconsistencies between his account and witness statements, and noted that he declined an offer to have his device forensically examined.
The issue first emerged last fall while Solomon was serving on a teachers union bargaining committee. As the matter escalated, union leaders criticized his conduct and called for his resignation from a leadership role, which he ultimately left.
The school district initially did not launch its own investigation, treating the message as part of internal union communications. That changed after the image became public and prompted significant community backlash, including complaints and discrimination allegations from families and students.
Solomon was placed on paid administrative leave for about six months while the district conducted its review. Investigators ultimately found his denial lacked credibility, leading toward disciplinary proceedings. Rather than face termination, Solomon opted to retire, which he says was effectively forced.
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