Paramus Schools Investigate Racist Student Posts: District

PARAMUS, NJ — The Paramus School District is investigating what Superintendent Michele Robinson is calling "racially and sexually offensive" posts from students.

The posts, which appear to be text messages circulated via Instagram, include the use of racial slurs, and compare black people to "monkeys" and "cockroaches".

"Today, our district became aware that racially and sexually offensive postings were circulated over social media by several of our students in response to the events occurring throughout the country following the tragedy in Minnesota," said Robinson. "The Paramus Board of Education, the administration, staff, student body, community, and many others outside of Paramus are justifiably outraged by these racially and sexually charged messages."

In her statement, Robinson explained that the administration and board will take appropriate measures after the investigation is concluded, and she is prohibited from disclosing more information due to state and federal privacy laws.

Paramus Police could not immediately be reached for comment regarding their involvement with the investigaton.

Robinson said the posts were "disrespectful" and "humiliating" in nature, and that the Board of Education "denounces" all forms of discrimination, but added that educators should use this moment to aid their students.

"The messages in these social media postings were clearly hurtful," said Robinson. "As educators, we must use this incident as an opportunity to help our students grow and better understand their responsibility to respect the dignity and the rights of all individuals."

Read Robinson's full statement here: http://www.paramus.k12.nj.us/