A MOTHER-OF-FIVE who moved to Barnsley from California says she fears for her children’s safety due to ‘constant’ racist abuse - and believes that despite school shootings in her home country her kids have never been in more danger than they are currently.
Ashley Hooper, 34, moved to Royston from California in August 2021 after becoming pregnant with a Barnsley man.
She moved to the town with her three children - twins Ashton and Tanner and their younger brother Karsen - and she says she was excited about the opportunity for them to be schooled in England.
But what ensued has been nothing short of a nightmare for them.
She told the Chronicle: “I was online dating and in 2020 I got pregnant with my son who is now four - his father is from Barnsley.
“I was a police officer in America and I quit my job to move here for the sake of my children.
“I was fascinated by the British education system and culture, believing my children would thrive here.
“A major relief was the thought that my kids would never have to face the fear of school shootings, something far too common in America.
“However, since moving here, my children have never been in more danger.”
Her children started school in January 2022 and have faced a barrage of abuse - much of it racist -, including being called slurs like ‘monkeys’ and ‘dirty animals’ - as well as being told to go back to their own country.
They now attend school at Outwood Academy Carlton and Ashley says she has been attempting to support her children for a number of years but to no avail.
“I don’t know what else I can do,” she said.
“Despite all my cries for help I’ve received nothing.
“It’s so frustrating because it’s been going on for several years.
“No-one has ever treated us like this before - we’ve been anything but safe.
“I’ve been shouting for help from the roof but so far nothing has landed and I’m just exhausted.”
One of Ashley’s sons was reportedly attacked by two children while riding his bike in a local park last week and the police have confirmed an investigation is ongoing.
A spokesperson told the Chronicle: “We received a call just before 5.30pm on October 22 to reports that a 13-year-old boy had been assaulted in a park in Barnsley.
“It is alleged the boy was approached by unknown children and assaulted while in Royston Park.
“Officers carried out enquiries, and with no named suspects, CCTV available, the case has been filed pending further evidence becoming available.”
Ashley added: “This is really weighing me down - I can’t take it anymore.
“I am not the person I used to be.
“I can barely eat or sleep and I live in constant fear for my children’s safety.
“The harassment at home continues, with these children kicking my door, shouting racial slurs and riding away on their scooters.
“My anxiety is crippling.
“I feel utterly broken and alone.
“I am drowning, screaming for help, and no-one is listening.
“It’s getting to the point where we’re having to think about moving out of town.
“Even when we lived in a predominantly white neighbourhood in America it wasn’t a problem - but here it is.
“I can’t understand why no-one cares.”
A spokesperson for Outwood Academy Carlton told the Chronicle: “We are aware of an ongoing police investigation into an incident within the community and are co-operating fully.
“Racism has no place in our school or community.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and respected.
"Our school delivers a robust personal development programme that educates students on protected characteristics, the Equality Act, and fundamental British values to ensure that all members of our community understand their rights and responsibilities in promoting equality and respect for all."
