Racial Slur At Bel Air High Spelled Out By Students

BEL AIR, MD — Students at Bel Air High School have been disciplined after they stood in the library on campus and spelled out a racial slur, then shared a picture of it on social media, officials say.

"We are aware of an incident that occurred at Bel Air High School involving students who used cut out letters to display a racial slur which they consequently photographed," Harford County Public Schools spokeswoman Jillian Lader said in a statement provided to Patch on Friday.

Seven students were involved in the act, which occurred last week in the library at the school at 100 Heighe Street, according to WBAL.

Tuesday was "scrabble day" during spirit week, when each student wore a letter and could spell out words with peers, according to student newspaper The Bellarion.

Six students spelled out the racial slur with large letters, while the seventh student took a picture.

"This behavior is not and will not be tolerated in Harford County Public Schools and is not representative of Bel Air High School students or Harford County Public Schools," Lader said. "The incident was thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action has been taken against the seven students involved."

In the aftermath of the incident at Bel Air High School, Lader said both students and staff will work toward creating a culture of inclusiveness.

"The use of racial slurs, or any discriminatory comments, is not acceptable in Harford County Public Schools. As a school system, we welcome and honor diversity and are committed to facilitating a safe and secure environment for all of our students and staff," Lader said. "Given the nature of the incident that occurred at Bel Air High School, the school staff, the administration, and the entire student body will have an opportunity to work towards an inclusive, supportive, and respectful learning environment with the guidance of the Supervisor of Equity & Cultural Proficiency. We will continue to take action to address these issues and to improve inclusivity in our schools. In addition, continued professional development for staff will focus on cultural responsiveness and inclusivity."

The disciplinary actions involving the students were not disclosed.

A principal may suspend and refer students to the superintendent for further disciplinary action for many offenses, including disrespect; harassment/bullying; disruption; and acts that jeopardize the safety or security of students, employees or others, according to the Harford County Public Schools 2017-2018 handbook.

The act that occurred at Bel Air High School falls under the school system's definition of bullying or harassment; see the policy on bullying, harassment or intimidation below, which states that consequences range from time out to expulsion.

Last year, when high school students shared racially motivated selfies on social media in another Maryland jurisdiction — Howard County — their peers organized a demonstration against hate by walking out of class.

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Patch file photo.