News

Actions

6 students in Metro Detroit suspended after racist photo circulates on social media

Posted at 6:40 AM, Mar 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-17 06:40:28-04

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. — Six students at Grosse Pointe South High School have been suspended in connection to a photo that features several students with a racial slur written on their stomachs.

According to Fox 2 News in Detroit, the photo, which was posted on Instagram, was eventually removed by the original poster, but not before it was shared, circulated, and downloaded. The image of three Caucasian students with the N word scrawled on their abdomens sparked outrage and even threats.

When school leaders learned about the situation on Sunday, they immediately started contacting students and families, and drafted a letter that was sent out on Monday.grosse point letter to parents

In addition to the initial photograph with the racial slurs, the letter describes follow-up comments that included threats and intimidation directed towards students who spoke up about the situation.

Fox 2 reports that members of the community came together on Wednesday night, with several activism groups and organizations praising the school district for its swift response in handling the situation.