But documented racism provided the kindling for Kiel’s political eruption. That story started in 2020 when Amy Wempner discovered racist Snapchat messages sent about her son Armond — one of five Black students at Kiel High School.
The family’s push for the school district to respond illustrates how a Republican strategy to mischaracterize discussions of race as political indoctrination can prevent schools from protecting students of color.
After the school district brought on a consulting firm to conduct training about racism and harassment, Kiel parents accused the firm of advancing critical race theory. That movement flipped the school board and prompted Armond to transfer to another school district.
In a federal lawsuit filed in October, the family accused the Kiel school district of violating Armond’s civil rights by failing to appropriately address racial hostility.
Notes on Wisconsin Watch $ and influence.