'Be Kind To Each Other:' Downers North Addresses Racist Incident

DOWNERS GROVE, IL --- Officials at Downers Grove North have issued a statement following a video that circulated on social media that appeared to depict a Downers Grove North cheerleader writing a racial slur on a whiteboard. in the letter, Downers North Principal Janice Schwarze addressed what she called a "a painful experience for North High, particularly for students and staff who have experienced discrimination in the past." Schwarze added that it is also a chance for students to "learn and grow."

Tensions arose throughout the school after social media outlets began circulating the video in question, in which the cheerleader writes a racial slur on a board that DGN officials say was at another school. The student was reportedly at the other school for a competition.

Schwarze stressed that students who use racist language would face consequences. She wrote, "Please know that if a student uses this word or any other derogatory term in a way that is connected to our school environment, we will issue consequences because this behavior is disrespectful and does not at all align with our goal to be Positively North."

"While this has been an emotional week for many," Schwarze wrote, "one good thing that has come out of these incidents is that people are talking."

Read Schwarze's full letter to students, staff, and parents below:

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