APEX, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina school system says it has disciplined a student who posted a racially offensive comment on Snapchat that referred to slavery.
Local news outlets report a student at Apex Friendship High School posted a black and white photo of the school’s step team with the caption, “Plantation owner watches his former slaves rejoice and celebrate their newfound freedom Circa 1864.”
The step team members in the photo are black and had performed at a pep rally Friday.
Wake County Public Schools criticized what it called a “highly offensive racial remark.”
The image was removed shortly after it was posted.
Principal Matt Wright said in a voice message to parents Monday that the administration had identified the student.
“I deeply regret that this has happened and want you to know that we are working to address the issue in a positive, constructive way to improve relations with all of our students,” Wright said.
“I met with the step team today and assured them that this type of behavior would not be tolerated,” Wright said in the voicemail. He also said he made a schoolwide announcement reminding students they would be accountable for inappropriate content on social media.
Federal privacy laws prohibit Wake Schools from saying what specific action was taken against the student, schools spokeswoman Lisa Luten said.
The step team on Monday posted a photo of members holding a poster covered with words of encouragement for the team.
School officials say cross-cultural activities are planned.
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