Racial Remarks on Social Media Result in 3 Fights at Valley High School

According to the Des Moines Register, three separate fights occurring at Valley High School (VHS) on the same day caused the school to heighten its security until things go back to normal. What sparked the biggest fight February 12, 2015, around 8:20 am in the school cafeteria, was a social media post with a Confederate and an American flag. Racial messages have been exchanged between students on social media, as well.

According to officials, VHS has an average attendance rate of 97%, which declined to about 75% students on Friday the 13th, the day after the fights had occurred. One-quarter of the student population skipped school on Friday due to fear of getting hurt. There were social media rumors indicating that someone will “shoot the black kids at school,” though the West Des Moinse police do not believe that these threats were credible.

Even though the school does not have a set harassment and bullying policy, Principal Tim Miller clarifies that none of this in acceptable and serious action will be taken in order to make the school a safe environment again.

The students involved in the fights were sent home after the incidents had occurred on Thursday. The police are still investigating what happened, when they collect all the necessary information, a charge decision will be made then.