Racist artwork at Florida middle school: What we know so far

Thomas Weber, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·2 min read
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MARTIN COUNTY — The school district continues investigating a photo showing six students in front of Hidden Oaks Middle School, holding letters spelling out a racial slur. The photo was circulated on social media late Monday.

"The Martin County School District is committed to promoting and maintaining a learning environment free of hateful, racist and discriminatory actions or conduct," Superintendent John Millay said in a statement Tuesday.

Here's what we know about the incident so far:

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What happened?

In the photo, six students are holding up large letters spelling a racial slur. The photo was spread online late Monday and appeared to have originated from Snapchat, a social media messaging app.

The photo prompted outrage online from hundreds of people, and the Martin County School District confirmed the photo was taken at Hidden Oaks Middle School in Palm City.

Is the photo real?

Yes. Authenticity of the photo was confirmed, Millay said in his statement.

"We are moving with all deliberate speed to interview all those who may have been involved in this shameful incident, and, unfortunately, can confirm that the photo is authentic," he wrote.

How is the school district responding?

The school district is continuing its investigation into the incident. As of Tuesday afternoon, the students had not been identified, Millay said.

What will be the consequences for the students?

It's unclear, but the students will face "appropriate disciplinary consequences," Millay said.

The district will discipline any students involved with the photo, but by law cannot disclose their identities or how they're punished, the statement said.

The investigation is expected to be completed by Thursday, district officials said.

Thomas Weber is a Digital Now Reporter at TCPalm. You can reach him at thomas.weber@tcpalm.com or 813-545-9113. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Martin County racial slur: Racist photo from Hidden Oaks Middle School