FBI joins investigation into racist text messages sent to students across country, including those at Derby High School

DERBY, Kan. (KWCH) – The FBI has joined an investigation into offensive and racist text messages which were sent across the country.

Derby Public Schools said the message was spread in its district. After Derby High School was notified of the situation, the School Resource Officer (SRO) was notified.

“Targeted hateful and racist messages have no place in our community and certainly not in our schools,” the district said. “Derby Public Schools does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or racism.”

The district said the SRO identified and met with the individual who sent the messages to local students.

Derby Police Chief Brandon Russell confirmed that officers also investigated the situation and spoke with several people Thursday morning. He said because juveniles are involved, there wasn’t much more the department could say other than no one wanted to file charges in the case.

12 News spoke with a Derby mother who said her child received a text message saying they had been “selected to be a slave at Derby High School.” She said the message was sent to students who are black, Hispanic or biracial, telling them to “be prepared to be searched before entering the plantation.”

The district did not specify whether the person spreading the message was a student, but said student affairs are confidential and the matter is being addressed.

“The safety and well-being of our students and families is our top priority,” the district said. “If threats, bullying or intimidation occur, they must be reported; the district or appropriate responding agencies are promptly investigating all reported situations.”

The FBI says it has been in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities about this. Like Derby Public Schools and the police department, the agency said these types of incidents should be reported to school administrators or law enforcement agencies.

“As always, we encourage the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities,” the FBI said.

According to USD260, the messages not only violate our district’s core values, but may also constitute criminal harassment.

Any student who receives the message is asked to notify school administrators and school staff or report tips anonymously using various reporting methods, including Crimestoppers’ P3 app. More information HERE.