Oxford School District investigates hate texts

Published 10:59 am Friday, January 20, 2017

The Oxford School District and Oxford Police Department school resource officers are investigating racially charged Snapchat texts sent to a student earlier this week.

According to city officials, a screenshot was shown to school officials containing racial slurs and threats of violence to a black student, possibly over an interracial relationship.

Mayor Pat Patterson said he was aware of the situation but since it was a school investigation, he could not comment on the incident.

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Superintendent Brian Harvey also acknowledged the incident but could not comment on details.

“We are aware of a situation that occurred outside of school hours and off of school property, but has impacted some our students,” Harvey said. “This situation is being investigated by school officials and will be handled according to the Oxford School District Code of Conduct.”

OPD Maj. Jeff McCutchen said there have been no reports of actual violence nor have there been any arrests made as of this morning. The investigation has been turned over to the schools and resource officers.

“Our resource officers are working with the school to gather the information,” McCutchen said this morning.