Racist Texts Sent To Students In Several Montgomery Co. School Districts

LOWER PROVIDENCE, PA — Students in several Montgomery County school districts were among those targeted by racist text message spam which went out across the state and the country last week.

Students in Methacton, Abington, and Lower Merion school districts reported receiving the texts, along with nearby Upper Darby in Delaware County.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office said they are investigating, though no arrests have yet been made. The state's Human Relations Commission also issued a response condemning the texts.

“The PHRC strongly condemns any type of hateful messages or acts of intimidation,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter said in a statement. “Hate should never be tolerated. It is imperative that all Pennsylvania school administrators realize the harm these text messages may cause to the mental and physical health of students, and take appropriate action as needed. Parents and schools should contact law enforcement and report these incidents.”

See original story: Racist Text Message Spam Sent In PA, Attorney General Investigating

The texts addressed the recipients by first and last name. Many text targeted Black Americans directly.

Numerous other states were impacted, including Virginia, Maryland, and Alabama.

"We encourage everyone in our community who has experienced any form of intimidation, discrimination or racism to please seek support and report this," the West Norriton Human Relations Commission said in a statement. "Together we can work to create a community where everyone feels safe and respected."

It's not clear where else in Montgomery County has been impacted. The West Norriton HRC said there had been no reports thus far in the Norristown Area School District, one of the county's most populous.