PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) - Leaders of a school district located just north of Kansas City are vowing to push for tougher discipline after a string of racist incidents.
Platte County school district Superintendent Michael Reik sent a note to parents emphasizing that the district "does not tolerate acts of racism" after a noose made out of white shoestrings was found hanging in a boys bathroom last week, The Kansas City Star reports.
The incident comes one month after a hate-filled rant that repeatedly used a racial slur was shared among more than 200 students and staff in a three-page Google document. And last year, paper nooses were discovered stuck to the walls of the high school.
Reik said that in light of the three incidents, a committee charged with equity, diversity and inclusion for the district will recommend that the school board adopt tougher penalties for students who commit racist acts at school.
Reik said more training is needed and that he will recommend to school board members that Platte also hire an outside firm to help.