New Hope-Solebury Responds After Racial Slur Found In Middle School Bathroom

NEW HOPE, PA — The New Hope-Solebury School District responded over the weekend after a racial slur was found written on a wall in the middle school bathroom. In a letter to parents, Superintendent Steven M. Yanni did not elaborate on the nature of the slur or when it was discovered, but said "actions like this will not be tolerated in our schools."

According to Yanni, Middle School Principal Christina Cortellessa conducted an investigation, which resulted in intervention and discipline.

"While we cannot elaborate on specific student discipline, please know all decisions are made in accordance with policy. We know that discipline and consequences alone do not change behavior. Therefore, we are also committed to helping those involved understand why they chose to engage in this type of behavior, and why/how it affects others," the letter from Yanni said.

He noted that the principal and middle school teachers have addressed the incident with students and "will do so again this coming week relative to this incident and under the greater umbrella of inclusion and acceptance."

The school has instituted preventative measures in "several ways," including through school-wide positive initiatives, child study teams, and student assistance programs, Yanni said.

You can read the full letter here.