IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A school district is condemning hate speech after a video surfaced online of a student using a racist slur in class.
The video shows a group of white students who were involved in an activity at the front of the class. One of the students used a racist slur while the rest of the class laughed, the video shows.
In a statement, Iredell-Statesville Schools confirmed they were aware of the video, which they said was taken during a social studies class at West Iredell High School.
“Iredell-Statesville Schools does not condone the use of hate speech or racial name-calling directed toward anyone,” district officials said. “The school system takes these matters seriously and an investigation is underway.”
The teacher involved has been put on leave, officials said.
The district’s full statement is below:
“Iredell-Statesville Schools is aware of a video from a social studies class at West Iredell High School. We understand this video is upsetting to many people. While we welcome opportunities for our students to learn about history, Iredell-Statesville Schools does not condone the use of hate speech or racial name-calling directed toward anyone. The school system takes these matters seriously and an investigation is underway. The teacher has been placed on leave while we investigate this matter.”
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