Gwinnett students involved in alleged racial incident in class charged

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Parents and human rights groups are outraged and demanding more transparency after learning a student allegedly whipped another student with a belt that was provided by another student while using a racial slur at Louise Radloff Middle School.

Those two students are now being charged with misdemeanors in connection with the incident, according to Gwinnett County Schools. One student is facing a simple battery charge. The other is facing both simple battery and simple assault charges.

Gerald Rose of the New Order National Human Rights Organization said he was disgusted after learning about what happened.

“It’s also reported that the young girl that was involved was hit by a belt, and she was auctioned off like a slave,” said Rose, adding that he was also concerned when he learned the teacher didn’t initially report the incident to authorities.

In a letter to parents, the school’s principal, Jennifer Callahan, said, “Immediately we took action in accordance with Gwinnett County Public Schools policies and procedures. The district’s Human Resources Department has also launched an investigation into the incident.”

“The students are still bragging on what they did, so that must be addressed,” Rose said.

Principal Callahan said school officials are taking the matter seriously, and that hitting students and/or directing racial slurs at people will not be tolerated.

The Gwinnett County School District says in addition to the charges, the students involved in the attack are also facing disciplinary consequences.

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