MANSFIELD, Texas — A disturbing social media post has Mansfield Independent School District responding to an incident involving a Lake Ridge High School student who posted a video in blackface and said a racial slur.
The school said the video on Twitter has since been taken down, but the video caught the attention of many in the community. In response, the school district sent a letter to parents.
"As a district and community, we cannot and will not, tolerate this kind of behavior and conduct," the letter by Lake Ridge High School principal Brandon Johnson.
It was not clear what kind of disciplinary action was made, but the school said it will be handled according to the school's student code of conduct.
Mansfield ISD sent the following letter to parents:
Dear Eagle Parents and Guardians,
District and campus officials were made aware this morning of an inappropriate video posted publicly on Twitter by a Lake Ridge High School student. The video included a student in blackface and a racial slur. There is no acceptable excuse or explanation for behaviors or speech that promote racism. These behaviors do not reflect who we are or aspire to be at Lake Ridge and will not be tolerated.
Officials have notified Twitter and are working to have the video taken down. Engaging with the post, even to actively speak out against it, will circulate and promote it even more on social media.
The incident, which did not occur on campus, will be handled according to the district’s Student Code of Conduct. As a district and community, we cannot and will not, tolerate this kind of behavior and conduct. It’s a tough social media world out there for our kids, but as Eagles, we are better than this. We must value and respect everyone and avoid any actions that promote racism or hate speech.
All students received an open invitation to speak with additional counselors who were on campus this afternoon. We understand this is not the end of the conversation on race, but just the beginning of one. And it is a conversation that we hope will extend past our campus, to dinner tables, after-school clubs, churches, and our community at large.
It takes the entire community working together to raise good citizens who value differences and promote kindness toward others.
Thank you for your continued support of Lake Ridge High School,
Brandon Johnson
Lake Ridge High School
Principal