The Martin County School District has completed its investigation into a racist picture taken by students on school grounds earlier this week.
Although the process is over, it looks like we won’t be learning exactly how, or if, those students will be punished.
In a statement released late Thursday, the school district’s superintendent John D. Millay said he couldn’t specify the disciplinary actions because federal and state law prohibits that.
Some parents of students here at Hidden Oaks Middle tells CBS12 News they’re glad it’s being handled, while others say they have a right to know whether the students involved will be held accountable.
Millay also said the district is addressing the incident consistent with its adopted policies under the Code of Student Conduct. However, he didn’t provide further information.
CBS12 News has obtained a copy of the Code of Student Conduct and learned this incident could fall under the Profane, Obscene, Abusive Language or Materials under Level 2 infractions, which is listed as major acts of misconduct.
A middle school student could face several actions, including alternative placement, community service, diversity assignment, or out-of-school suspension five days or less.
Expulsion is not listen under that category, leaving some at of Hidden Oaks Middle wondering if it’s enough.
“It’s on school property. I don’t even know how they got the message out. If they’re not going to be expelled, that’s a little messed up,” said an older brother of a Hidden Oaks Middle School student Colin Burke.
Others weighed on Facebook, leaving several comments that read in part: “I trust it’s being handled,” "the community should know what disciplinary actions were taken by MCSD,” or “there should be a commitment to have education in the school about racism, minority issues, appropriate behavior and mutual respect.”
Several parents, community activists and educators were very vocal about the issue during Tuesday’s heated school board meeting.
Many agreed on the importance of educating students on the hurt that’s associated with racial slurs.
According to Superintendent Millay, the investigation also included speaking with all the students, the principal, and the teacher whose class was used to create the letters, as well as a review of surveillance video from the school.
Counseling will be available for students to help heal the harm this incident has caused.
CBS12 News reached out to all school board members, including the superintendent, for comment about the result of the investigation.