Community Reacts to Reported Hate Crime Threat at High School

UPDATE: The Journal just received notification from the district that one student has already received the maximum disciplinary consequence allowed by Texas law and was referred to law enforcement. This is an ongoing story and will continue to be updated as new information is received. 

Last weekend, a local high school football player reportedly threatened a fellow student with a hate crime, which was then screen recorded and shared on Facebook. With the threat were multiple bullying remarks allegedly made by several football players amid suggestions that the student end her own life.

The Journal reached Superintendent Scott Cummings Monday and asked if the school had  evidence that racial slurs were used by the football team, and if so what punishment they might face? Cummings said he was unable to answer. He also said the same on whether any coaches were aware of the situation and what they may be facing.

Cummings said the incident is still under investigation and that the district is using the “right channels and processes” to do “what they believe is right” in accordance with district policy.

The school released a notice to parents Sunday night stating there had been a threat against the school, but it was deemed not credible. The district released this statement upon request for a comment: 

“Groesbeck ISD is currently investigating an incident that occurred on the evening of Friday, October 17.

The safety and well-being of all students and staff remain our highest priority. Groesbeck ISD does not condone any behavior that may be considered harmful or detrimental to our students, staff, or community members.

Groesbeck ISD administration immediately began a thorough investigation to identify those involved and to determine when and where the incident occurred. School personnel continue to investigate whether additional students may have violated the Groesbeck ISD Student Code of Conduct. If any violations are confirmed, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with district policy. We want to reassure our community that the safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance at Groesbeck ISD. The district remains committed to being proactive and transparent, while also respecting the privacy rights of all students as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).”

According to reports from students, the situation began after the student told one of the players that “the football team sucks.” The student was then added to the football team’s group chat on Snapchat and reportedly repeatedly removed by some of the players, only to be added back by others and bombarded with bullying insults, racist slurs, and suggestions that she end her own life. The situation culminated in a senior player allegedly threatening to lynch the student while referring to her with a racist slur in a voice recording.

All of this information can be corroborated by a screen recording of the entire chat, including the voice notes, which was posted on Facebook by a family member of the student on Sunday.

Allegedly, the student’s mother threatened to come “clean up the school,” but she has since come forward and said that was untrue.

The community has taken to Facebook and is calling for consequences for those involved with over 200 comments and over 200 shares on the video’s post.