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Parents divided over principal's decision to separate kids by race

CHESTERFIELD, S.C. — Parents gathered at a meeting Monday night divided over the Chesterfield-Ruby Middle School principal's decision to split students into groups based on race.

Some parents are outraged, while others supported her. 

Principal Andrea Hampton said she was trying to find a way a way to get kids to motivate each other so she separated the children based on race and gender for pep talks.

Plenty of parents told the school board Monday night that was wrong.

"This type of diversity will do nothing but drive wedge in the student body as I see it," one parent said.
 
Others lashed out at the message this sends to others outside Chesterfield County.

 "It just irritates me that it's come this far," said Joe Tarleton. "That news camera right there been here in Chesterfield County too darn much. We don't need that."

Plenty of parents were on Hampton's side and said it was important to separate the kids and there was no harm.

"Dr. Hampton is such a sweet and lovely person," said Betty McCay. "I just don't see her doing anything that was against the policy."
 
Board members are reviewing the issue.
 
Board members also said when they're done looking into it.

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