Racial Slur: Cops Speak Out After Video Of Naperville Incident

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville police are speaking out against racism after a video circulated on social media in which a juvenile shouted a racial slur at a person of color in downtown Naperville.

Police say they met with the juvenile, who was not from Naperville, and his parents "to make them aware of the inappropriateness and insensitivity of his actions." Police also spoke with the person who shared the video, who told them they did not want to pursue the matter further.

"The Naperville Police Department does not support hate speech and takes all reports involving racism and discrimination seriously," Naperville police wrote in a Facebook post about the incident.

They added, "If you ever feel unsafe due to the words or actions of another or believe you are the victim of a hate crime, we encourage you to call 911 immediately, and we will assist you."

Naperville has been at the center of several racially charged incidents in the past year. In May, someone spray painted the phrase "White Pride" on a partition in Cantore Park. In November, two people were fired from Buffalo Wild Wings after customers alleged racism.

Naperville officially denounced racism in a resolution signed in late May. The city is working with community groups, the Naperville Chamber of Commerce and Districts 203 and 204, in addition to other groups to "advance equity and inclusion to achieve a truly diverse, inclusive and tolerant environment for all residents," according to the resolution.