Family upset at inaction by Wake schools over racist chat group

Officials said two East Wake High students and five students from Corinth Holders High School in Johnston County participated in the chat, which included messages such as #bringslaveryback and several posts that included racial slurs.

"There's still a little part of me that's hurt by what these kids think of our race," she said.

Wake County school officials said federal student privacy laws prohibit them from discussing whether anyone was disciplined in the case. Johnston County school officials said the Corinth Holders High principal identified the students at that school who were involved in the chat group and took action against them, but they didn't elaborate.

Cenayia's parents said the school district's student conduct policies require some disciplinary action by East Wake High or the district against the students involved in the chat group.

"They have a non-discrimination policy that is supposed to be in compliance with federal law," Cecelia Edwards said, adding that other policies address threats, bullying and harassment.

"This is not going to be accepted," Coderro Edwards said. "I am fearful for my daughter's moves – going to school, coming home from school, being at school. This is a threat to a whole community of people, not just one person."

East Wake High Principal Stacey Alston said in a video statement posted online Thursday that neither he nor other school officials condone the racist behavior exhibited in the chat room.

"This type of behavior is total unacceptable," Alston said. "This type of behavior does not reflect my values, East Wake's values nor Wake County public schools' values.'

The school plans to have discussions about race relations among students, staff, parents and others in the coming weeks, he added.

"These conversations are much needed in our community to repair after this incident," he said.