Long Beach School District Clears Most Racism Complaints at Lakewood High

Parents and students demand transparency as district declines to release investigation findings.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has concluded investigations into allegations of racism and retaliation at Lakewood High School, finding that the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. However, the district is refusing to release the investigative reports, citing employee confidentiality, a move that has angered parents and students who are now calling for more transparency and accountability.

Why it matters

The handling of these complaints at Lakewood High has raised broader concerns about the district's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff, particularly Black individuals. The lack of transparency has further eroded trust between the community and the school district.

The details

According to LBUSD, a probe into the head counselor resulted in only "limited findings related to professionalism," which were addressed through non-disciplinary corrective guidance. Former Lakewood counselor Naazir Anyabwile claims he was targeted after refusing to corroborate accusations against a Black co-worker, and his contract was not renewed. About a dozen students walked out of class last October in support of Anyabwile, and some reported feeling intimidated by school administrators afterward.

  • In October 2025, about a dozen students walked out of class at Lakewood High in support of former counselor Naazir Anyabwile.
  • The Long Beach Unified School District concluded its investigations into the allegations of racism and retaliation at Lakewood High in early 2026.

The players

Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD)

The public school district that oversees Lakewood High School and is facing calls for transparency regarding its handling of racism complaints.

Naazir Anyabwile

A former Lakewood High counselor who claims he was targeted and had his contract not renewed after refusing to corroborate accusations against a Black co-worker.

Suzie Sanders

A parent whose daughter's complaint of racism at Lakewood High was found to be unsubstantiated, leading the family to plan to move the student out of the district for her senior year.

David Loy

The legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, who stated that when a public agency finds misconduct, those records generally must be released under California law.

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What they’re saying

“We must remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive school and work environment.”

— Long Beach Unified School District (hoodline.com)

“When a public agency finds that misconduct actually occurred, those records generally must be released under California law.”

— David Loy, Legal Director, First Amendment Coalition (Long Beach Post)

What’s next

Parents and students say they plan to keep pressing the school board and other oversight bodies for clearer answers and independent reviews of the district's handling of the racism complaints at Lakewood High.

The takeaway

The lack of transparency from the Long Beach Unified School District in its investigations of racism allegations at Lakewood High has eroded trust within the community and raised concerns about the district's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all students and staff.