SOUTHWICK, Mass. – The Hampden District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into disturbing allegations of racially charged bullying at Southwick Regional School. Reports suggest that white students at the school set up an “online slave auction” where they allegedly “bid” on Black classmates.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Springfield confirmed that derogatory racial insults were directed at a female student at the school in addition to the reported online slave auction organized by white students.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the DA’s office condemned the reported behavior, stating that hate-based harassment and violence have no place in the community. The DA has directed the involvement of members of his office and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit to investigate the allegations and prosecute any criminal violations.
President Bishop Talbert Swan of the Greater Springfield NAACP expressed his concerns in a letter to Superintendent of Schools Jennifer C. Willard, calling the reported behavior “disturbing” and emphasizing that “the use of racial slurs, racially motivated harassment, and an alleged ‘slave auction’ are reprehensible acts of hate that have no place in a learning environment or anywhere else in a civilized society.”
At the time of the report, no further details were available.
This is a developing story. Please continue to check for updates as more information becomes available.