Racist, Pornographic Content Shared On Lower Merion SD Zoom Event

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Racist and pornographic content was shared during a digital Lower Merion School district event last week, according to officials.

The district said during Friday's online college fair for Harriton High School, someone managed to get access to the video meeting on Zoom.

The person who gained access to the Zoom meeting then put racist and pornographic images and video on the screen.

This is referred to as "Zoom bombing."

"The District sincerely apologizes to any students or staff who were exposed to these images and video during this incident and promises a full investigation and appropriate discipline for those found to be involved," officials said in a statement.

According to the district, the college fair's Zoom meeting may not have had the typical security measure in place to restrict who can access the virtual meeting. Additionally, district staff running the Zoom did not know the content was being shared, but upon the discovery the Zoom meeting was shut down.

Police and the district are working to investigate the incident, with the district saying the perpetrator will face serious consequences, especially if they are part of the district community.

The district said at this point the perpetrator appears to be located abroad.

"LMSD is a district that prides itself on promoting inclusivity and belonging for all of its students and staff," the district said. "Depictions of racism or sexual exploitation have no place in our schools or community."