A 16-year-old student at Chesterton High School, Julian Blevins, has publicly addressed ongoing issues of racism within his school environment. Frustrated by repeated racial slurs, Blevins took to social media to share his experiences, expressing his love for the school while highlighting the unacceptable nature of such behavior. “It’s 2026, the 21st century. This shouldn’t still be happening,” he stated in his post, which sparked significant attention and dialogue.
In response to Blevins’ allegations, Erin Collins, the President of the Chesterton Town Council, spoke at a recent council meeting, emphasizing the need for community awareness and action against racism. Although she did not name Blevins due to his age, Collins confirmed she was addressing his concerns. “There’s no place for racism, hate speech or threats in our community. Words matter, and when harmful behavior is minimized or left unchallenged, it grows,” Collins remarked.
On January 9, 2026, the principal of Chesterton High School, Brent Martinson, sent a letter to parents and students addressing Blevins’ social media post. He reiterated that the school does not tolerate harassment based on race and detailed the investigation into the complaints raised.
Superintendent Chip Pettit commented in a statement to the Post-Tribune that, while he could not discuss specific student matters, the Duneland School Corporation would not accept harassment or discrimination. He assured that any complaints would be addressed in accordance with Board policy and relevant laws.
Blevins’ mother, Natalie Cole, has voiced her dissatisfaction with the school’s response, claiming that her previous meetings with school officials have not resulted in meaningful changes. She has filed a complaint with the federal Office for Civil Rights, stating that her son continues to face an environment rife with racial hostility. Cole’s complaint notes that she first approached the school district in October 2024, yet incidents of racial harassment persist. “These incidents are not isolated but represent a pattern of racial harassment that has gone unremedied despite repeated notice to the district,” her complaint reads.
The pivotal incident occurred on December 11, 2025, when Blevins received a two-day suspension for allegedly disrespecting a teacher. This followed an incident where a letter he had written to Santa Claus was removed from his backpack and returned with a racially charged response. The letter, which included derogatory comments and threats, prompted Blevins to report the matter to school officials.
While school administrators conducted an investigation, including interviews and reviewing video footage, Cole expressed her belief that her son faced consequences for speaking out against racism rather than the actual perpetrators of the slur-filled letter. Following winter break, Blevins reported further harassment, prompting him to share his experiences on social media.
In his post, Blevins reflected on the racial slurs he has encountered, stating, “People call me derogatory names and act like I’m supposed to take it. The excuse is always, ‘Other people say it.’ But are those ‘other people’ me?”
Council President Collins acknowledged the historical context of racism in Northwest Indiana, noting that Chesterton was once unofficially known as a “sundown” town, where Black individuals were not welcome after dark. According to 2024 U.S. Census data, Chesterton has a predominantly white population, with only 1.5% identifying as Black. This demographic makeup contributes to the ongoing struggles against racism in the community.
Blevins, a member of the school’s track team, is determined to advocate for change, not just for himself but for his younger brother. He articulated his hope for a better school environment, stating, “If I feel a way about something, I am going to let you know whether you like it or not. I hope for change. With this, I hope to start a little bit of something.”
As the community grapples with these issues, the call for action against racism within Chesterton High School and the broader community continues to grow.
