DERBY, Kan. (KWCH) – FBI joins investigation into offensive and racist text messages these were shipped nationwide.

Derby Public Schools said the message was distributed in its district. After Derby High School was alerted to the situation, the School Resource Officer (SRO) was notified.

“Targeted hateful and racist messages have no place in our society, especially in our schools,” the district said. “Derby Public Schools does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or racism.”

The district said the SRO identified and interviewed the person who sent the message to local students.

Derby Police Chief Brandon Russell confirmed officers were also investigating the situation and speaking with several people Thursday morning. He said since teenagers were involved, the department couldn’t say much except that no one wanted to pursue charges in the case.

12 News spoke with a Derby mother who said she received a text message saying her child had been “selected as a slave at Derby High School.” He said the message was sent to students who were Black, Hispanic or biracial, telling them, “Be prepared to be searched before entering the plantation.”

The district did not specify whether the person who spread the message was a student, but said student matters are confidential and the matter is being addressed.

“The safety and well-being of our students and their families is our top priority,” the district said. “When threats, bullying or harassment occur, it should be reported; the district or appropriate response agencies expeditiously investigate all reported situations.”

The FBI said it was in contact with the Justice Department and other federal officials on the matter. The agency, like Derby Public Schools and police, said such incidents should be reported to school administrators or law enforcement.

“As always, we encourage the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement,” the FBI said.

The $260 messages not only violate our district’s core values ​​but may also constitute criminal harassment.

Any student who receives the message is asked to notify school administration, school resource officers, or report tips anonymously using a variety of reporting methods, including Crimestoppers’ P3 App. Learn more HERE.

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