Broughton student shakes off racist comments, racially-charged threats made toward him on social media

Michael Barlow is excited to graduate from Broughton Magnet High School to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. The self-proclaimed activist is ready for the challenge.

However, the senior is already facing a different challenge: racism.

Over the weekend, he received racist messages. Screenshots show a new Instagram account with one follower sending at least two messages to Barlow. In them, the person uses the n-word. One part of the message says “I speak for literally every white person when I say that you’re an enemy of us dude I (expletive) hate you. Tie the rope…”

The second message goes on to say, “I seriously want to hang you from a tree…please don’t come to school…”

Despite the threats, Barlow still showed up for class Monday.

“[School] was actually very good. I thought it was going to be much harder than it was,” Barlow told WRAL, “My Broughton community definitely circled around me. They told me they didn't stand with what was said.”

In contrast to the two racist direct messages, Barlow said he received hundreds of messages showing support.

“Nothing to this degree has ever happened to me,” he said. “The administration pulled me aside before first period started and they told me they were doing everything they could to find the perpetrators.”

Barlow said the school believes one person is behind the account, while another student is being disciplined for their comments.

“I guess I was getting made fun of for wanting to go to law school...I don't really see how that's something to be ashamed of,” he said.

In all of this, Barlow’s mom Ashley Gonzalez said this is not an isolated incident, but the most severe.

“I was upset, fearful for my son, because that is my biggest concern, is his safety,” she said. “Moving to North Carolina as a whole has been racially difficult…I think it's a cultural thing in the state. I don't think it's particularly Broughton High School.”

The school sent out a message to families Monday morning:

“Broughton Magnet High School Families,

To keep you informed, I wanted to share that we have received reports that a number of racist comments and threats have been posted on social media over the weekend under a fake account created under our school name.

We take any and all racist statements and threats against members of our community seriously. As soon as we were made aware of the messages, we contacted the WCPSS Office of Equity Affairs, WCPSS Security, our School Resource Officer and law enforcement.

We are currently in the process of investigating this serious matter. Students involved in making racist comments and/or threats will be disciplined in accordance with WCPSS policies.

Our WCPSS core beliefs state that “The Board of Education, superintendent, and all staff value a diverse school community that is inviting, respectful, inclusive, flexible, and supportive.” At Broughton, we remain committed to this belief. Instances of racism and threats of physical harm have no place in our school community.

Please talk with your students about the importance of respecting people of all backgrounds and refusing to engage in racist rhetoric or behavior. Also, please take this opportunity to remind your child that making a threat of causing physical harm of any kind at school is a serious offense and violates both law and the Student Code of Conduct.

Students should always feel comfortable telling a trusted adult about anything that causes them concern. We have a plan in place to support any student or staff who needs additional support today.

Please report any safety concerns to an administrator by calling our main office 919-856-7810 or to our anonymous tip line 919-856-1911.

Thank you for your continued support of our school.”

Both Barlow and Gonzalez commend the school for their swift action after hearing about the incident.

“I'm glad the school is taking care of it and doing what it needs to do to hold these people accountable,” Gonzalez said.