The San Francisco Board of Education voted unanimously August 2 to officially admonish commissioner Ann Hsu, saying a racist statement she made on a recent candidate questionnaire was "hurtful and perpetuates harmful stereotypes."

The board wrote that Hsu's comments, "come at a time when the Board is in the process of reforming its behaviors and processes to produce better outcomes for students."

The emotional meeting prompted an outpouring of comments from many Black, Latinx and Asian families, all of whom expressed hurt and pain over the discussion. At one point during public comment, dueling camps of families shouted "Racist! Racist!" and "Support Ann Hsu!" at each other.

Hsu voted for her own admonishment. Speaking to the crowd, she said systemic biases need to be overcome, "but canceling one another is not the way to do it."

Since Hsu’s statement came to light last month, the backlash against her has been swift. But that outcry is also being countered by a significant contingent of voices calling for Hsu to hold on to her job.

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