Hillsborough Schools Condemn Students 'Racist' Online Posts

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township Schools Superintendent Lisa M. Antunes and High School Principal Karen A. Bingert sent a letter to the students, staff and families addressing several students 'racist, homophobic, and profane' social media posts in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, and nationwide protests.

The hateful posts came to the school administration's attention on Friday night and are now being investigated fully by administrative staff and anti-bullying specialist, the letter sent out on Saturday states.

"While we are overwhelmingly disheartened that some students would choose to make such horrific posts, we are incredibly proud of the many current and former students who have reached out to report this to us so that we can address this, can clarify without question that Hillsborough Township School District has only the highest expectations for the behavior of our students, and can restore faith that the actions of some are not the beliefs of many. To the contrary, the overwhelming response from people appalled by these posts is indicative that opinions like those posted are not welcome in our community," the letter stated.

Hillsborough Mayor Doug Tomson also shared the letter on Saturday. See below:

"As a community, I know we are stronger then one individuals disgusting words. I hope we all take a moment and talk to our children about hate speech and continue to work together to make our world a better place," Tomson said.

Tomson also quoted Martin Luther King, Jr. - "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Hillsborough Board of Education President Dr. Lorraine Soisson and Antunes also released another letter on Wednesday reiterating that township schools "consistently teach and reinforce that, as a community, our strength lies in our differences, that differences are to be celebrated, and that, above all, respect for others is essential."

Read Soisson and Antunes latest letter below:

Protests have sparked across the nation after the killing of Floyd, 46, when then Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Video, which captured Floyd saying "I can't breathe," went viral, and sparked the nationwide protests. Read More: All 4 Minneapolis Officers Charged As Protests Continue

An upcoming peaceful march is planned in Bernardsville on Saturday to put an end to racial injustice. Read More: 'Show Up For Racial Justice' March Planned In Bernardsville

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