NEWTON, MASS. (WHDH) - Officials at Newton North High School said an incident involving students waving a Confederate flag on campus is “deeply troubling.”
In a video posted to Facebook, students could be seen driving around the traffic circle at the high school waving a large Confederate flag out of the window.
In a letter to parents, Principal Henry Turner said that the incident was immediately reported to police and the school began investigating immediately.
The school said a group of four students has been identified and the school is “taking appropriate action.” Newton Superintendent David Fleishman said the students with the flag may have a right to free speech but they violated the student code of conduct, which says students have a right to go to school free of harassment and bias.
The Newton Schools Superintendent’s statement can be read below:
The incident that occurred earlier this week at Newton North is deeply troubling. While the students involved have been identified, North will be working with our faculty and peer leadership groups to determine the most effective way to address this incident and move forward.
The Newton Public Schools is committed to creating a school community that is welcoming and inclusive for all. As a school district, we strive to celebrate and draw strength from our diversity. We will continue this challenging work so that our students feel safe and supported in our schools.
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