The Platte County R-3 School District is again investigating an alleged racist incident, this time with the help of both federal and local authorities.
The Platte City Police Department is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime, and has enlisted the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Platte County Cyber Crimes Task Force to help.
“A hate crime can be a federal offense,” said chief of police Joe Wellington. “We contacted the FBI on this and they will now be involved.”
Newly-hired high school principal Dr. Keith Jones was targeted during a Zoom call with students last week. Jones, who was hired by the board of education in late April, conducted a Zoom call with parents on Monday, May 11 to introduce himself. About 60 parents participated in the call, which went well, according to district officials.
Unfortunately, the Wednesday, May 13 Zoom call with students in eighth through 11th grades did not go as well. The call was interrupted by four anonymous callers who directed racial slurs at Jones.
“Not only is this behavior in violation of our culture of inclusion and belonging, it is illegal,” said superintendent Dr. Mike Reik in a statement. “I am saddened by the hatred that was directed at Dr. Jones, and apologize to our students and families who witnessed this incident. I am sorry that this act will take away from what was otherwise a very positive introduction, yet I am confident that Dr. Jones can handle adversity and will use this to help grow and improve PCHS.”
Reik commended Jones on his reaction, as he continued the meeting after the incident.
“I will not let a few negative comments deter me from staying focused on what we will do at PCHS,” Jones said. “I’m very excited to be a Pirate, and I can’t wait to meet our students in person. I promise to provide a safe and inclusive environment where we support all kids.”
Reik said the incident is under investigation and will be addressed by the district’s newly formed diversity and equity committee.
“Let me be very clear – racism and hatred of any kind will not be tolerated in the Platte County School District,” Reik said. “Again, racism and other acts of hate have no place in our PCR-3 community. We will investigate this fully and ask that our parents, staff, and students partner with us in denouncing this behavior as we create a more inclusive environment that is safe and caring for all learners.”
This marks the fourth incident of racism within a year at Platte County R-3. In May 2019, a makeshift noose was found in a bathroom stall at Paxton School. The Platte City Police Department investigated it as a possible hate crime but the county juvenile office determined no crime had been committed and the investigation was dropped. A 15-year-old boy was the guilty party.
In November 2019, a Google Document was shared with students at Barry School, and later with Platte County High School students. The document contained several paragraphs of racist content added by an unknown contributor.
While technology staff removed the document within 20 minutes, more than 200 students and staff viewed the inappropriate content. The incident sparked outrage at a board of education meeting, a public forum and questioning and reviews of district policies.
Another noose was found in a restroom at Platte County High School in December 2019.
The board of education is scheduled to meet this week – at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21 – though due to COVID-19 the meeting will be live streamed via Facebook.
Jones will replace current principal Dr. Chad Sayre, who will take up the position of director of student services with the next school year. Most recently, Jones served as principal at Billy Mills Middle School in Lawrence, Kan. He has two sons, a 19-year-old in college and a 7-year-old in elementary school.