City and school officials denounce racist incident against student

Columbus authorities and Bartholomew Consolidated School officials are denouncing an incident where a student was subjected to racial insults outside a school.

According to a joint announcement from Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon, Police Chief Steve Norman and BCSC Superintendent Chad Phillips, officials have been notified of a student being harassed outside of a school with racial slurs and threats. They say that the CPD and BCSC are taking the situation seriously and have launched a full investigation.

They say that any behavior like this is unacceptable in the city of Columbus and that behaviors rooted in hate, racism, or threats of violence have no place here and will not be tolerated. Incidents of harassment or discrimination go unreported, whether out of fear, uncertainty about where to turn, or the belief that nothing can be done, they say. And the consequences of tolerating hate have far reaching effects.

Leaders are pledging to work with community members and partners to address these incidents and issues when they occur, and to seek solutions which provide accountability and healing.