Video of teens using racial slur sparks outrage

A video featuring some Conestoga High School students casually using the N-word is now the focus of a school board investigation.

The video, which was not made during school, is going viral – and not in a good way.

The video shows two white, teenage girls who are apparently vaping, using the N-word and laughing. The video has been widely shared on social media like Facebook and Twitter. The two girls have not been identified.

In reaction to media inquiries, Tredryffrin/Easttown School District Superintendent Richard Gusick issued this statement: “Yesterday the district was informed by community members about a social media video posted by two Conestoga High School students containing racially offensive language. T/E School District strongly condemns this and all forms of racist language. Although this video was not made during school, it has hurt and offended many in our school community. This is unacceptable behavior, and it will not be tolerated. The school will investigate fully and apply consequences as appropriate. T/E School District will continue to stand for respect and inclusion, with schools where all are welcomed to learn and grow.”

Rick Eckstein, a Villanova sociology professor, responded to the video by saying it was “pretty hard hitting for such a short video. One things stands out for me is how this word, long considered among the most offensive in our language, is tossed around as if it was a joke, and the assumption (is) that others would also find it amusing. I don’t think that’s hatred as much as privilege. People with a certain social standing think they are immune from social norms. Those who will find it offensive are likely to be dismissed as politically correct and thinskinned since, hey, it was only a joke. I believe this really does reflect the larger political climate where discourse has been replaced by insult and invective. I have not personally seen it on my college campus, but my colleagues here and elsewhere report a sharp uptick in similar episodes of unabashed racism passing as chic humor.”

“I would be interested to know if there have been similarly noticeable trends at high schools,” Eckstein added.

Diana Robertson, president of the Main Line branch of the NAACP, said, “Once again it is necessary to confront students who believe it is OK to demean students with their racial slurs. Yes, it is most definitely a part of a larger problem that must continue to be addressed by school administrators.

“As president of the NAACP Main Line Branch, it is our intention to investigate the situation as well and speak to administrators in regard to policies and consequences currently in place for such offenses,” she said. “Although, I am happy for what has taken place thus far in response to the incident by school administrators and students, clearly the larger problem of racial discrimination must be addressed. It is my belief that what people say reflects what they think and believe.

“I have every intention along with members of the NAACP Main Line to follow up with school administrators and the African-American Culture Club with next steps.”