VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Kellam High School principal sent out an email on Thursday informing families of a "racist harassment" incident that took place.
The email explained that one student was subject to discrimination from a group of other students.
The principal said a staff member immediately intervened after witnessing a student being harassed by other students. The email said "the students involved will be disciplined to the fullest extent possible based upon the school division’s code of student conduct."
The email also included a link to the VBCPS's policy on discrimination and harassment.
The Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's office called the situation "reprehensible," but stopped short of seeking charges. On Friday, they released a full statement regarding the incident.
"The situation that occurred at Kellam High School is reprehensible. We understand that people believe the actions of these students should be punished criminally. A thorough investigation was conducted by the Virginia Beach Police Department and reviewed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The Office has determined that this behavior doesn’t rise to the level of a crime under Virginia statutes. It’s important to note that Virginia’s hate crime statute is not a punitive statute but rather provides the definition of hate crime that can then be used to escalate punishment under other criminal statutes."
The Virginia Beach NAACP also released a statement Friday in response to the incident.
“The rise in emboldened racist behavior in recent years is alarming and unacceptable. Racism should have no place in our schools, our communities, or anywhere in society. It is especially troubling that our youth must continue to endure the painful reality of discrimination. The Virginia Beach NAACP is committed to ensuring that all residents, especially African Americans, can live without fear or undue anxiety due to the color of their skin.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and look forward to the findings of the ongoing investigation by Virginia Beach Public Schools. We call upon school administrators, educators, and community leaders to take decisive action in addressing these incidents and fostering an environment of respect, inclusion, and accountability.
In the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Virginia Beach NAACP remains steadfast in our fight against injustice and racism, recognizing its continued threat to justice everywhere. We also echo the call for unity made by Malcolm X in January 1965, underscoring the painful reality that nearly six decades later, this struggle persists.
The Virginia Beach NAACP demands that Virginia Beach Public Schools uphold its commitment to equity and justice by implementing stronger measures to prevent and address racism in our educational institutions. We will not stand by while our children suffer the consequences of intolerance.”
