BROWNSVILLE, Tenn.—School officials and law enforcement authorities spent most of the day Sunday dealing with a racially charged social media post, authored by Brownsville teenagers. A copy of a Snap Chat message went viral and was shared by hundreds of Facebook users.
Several boys who, authorities say, are Haywood High School students exchanged dialogue about African Americans. Some of the language suggested violence.
Police Chief Barry Diebold, school’s leadership and the District Attorney’s office spent Sunday investigating. After several hours of research, Diebold said District Attorney Garry Brown’s office told him, “…according to criminal statutes it is not a criminal issue unless there is a direct threat.” Diebold said no one’s name was listed in the message. He also said schools were not targeted in the language. “It (the message) was not directly related (to schools) but people realize that they (the writers) are students….” Diebold explained.
Schools Superintendent Joey Hassell said in a written statement sent to Brownsville Radio Sunday evening that though investigators have determined there will be no legal charges, schools have not concluded their investigation. “…The school district will review the findings of the HHS investigation and determine what actions will be taken. A thorough review will occur.”
“Our job is to educate and protect all students. Hatred, racism and bigotry have no place in our school district,” Hassel wrote.
The Brownsville Police Department added officers to school security this morning.
A protest that began inside when school opened this morning included several dozen students and a few adults. The protest moved outside during the morning. No one has been hurt and there have been no confrontations reported.
School officials say classes are in session but some parents have arrived to take their children out of school.
Police have blocked the entry to the high school, except for parents with children enrolled there.
Because the teenagers involved in the messaging are juveniles, their names are being withheld.
