Racial Intimidation Claims Probed At Mich. High School
GRAND HAVEN (WWJ/AP) - Authorities are investigating complaints that some students attending a West Michigan high school used racial slurs and donned apparel similar to that worn by members of the Ku Klux Klan.
Grand Haven Schools Superintendent Keith Konarska called the events "terribly concerning and absolutely unacceptable."
Konarska said there have been at least three incidents and that three students have been disciplined. Details of the incidents and what type of discipline was handed out were not released.
A student, however, outlined five instances of racial intimidation in a recent story that appeared in the Grand Haven Tribune. That student told reporters she observed one student wearing a KKK-like mask outside of the school, and another wearing a KKK-like hat in the cafeteria. The student also claimed she overheard two racially hateful conversations on the school bus, and that another student wrote a racial slur on steamed-up bus window.
Konarska said it was unknown if the same group of students is responsible for all of the alleged incidents, adding that federal officials are now involved in the investigation.
Konarska said the high school is increasing efforts to create awareness and understanding programs for students.
Grand Haven is located along Lake Michigan, about 30 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.
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