Daycare Staff Refused to Care for Black Toddler
- Escape Live
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
A heartbreaking story out of Lansing, Michigan is sparking outrage—and rightfully so. Kendra Smith is speaking out after discovering that daycare staff at tinkrLAB allegedly refused to feed, hold, or change her toddler’s diaper simply because she was Black.
According to Smith, she first found out something was wrong when Child Protective Services contacted her in 2023, claiming they were investigating racial discrimination at the daycare. One staff member reportedly said Braelynn, her daughter, “stinks because she’s Black” and blamed it on the products used in her hair.
Despite the severity of the accusations, Smith says CPS became unresponsive. She was only able to see their reports by filing a FOIA request.
tinkrLAB’s owner, Melissa Rabideau, released a statement chalking the incident up to “staff errors” and “miscommunication,” saying the employees involved are no longer there. She also claimed to have implemented new policies and training—but many online are questioning why it took so long for the business to speak out at all.
Meanwhile, Kendra Smith continues her fight for justice—for Braelynn and for every parent who expects their child to be treated with basic dignity.
What would YOU do if this happened to your child? Sound off in the comments.
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