Pinecrest students accused of posting racist comments on social media

8 Miami Palmetto High School students accused of engaging in racist conversation

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Eight Miami Palmetto High School students, some of whom are members of the boys lacrosse team, have been called into the principal's office and counseled after allegedly posting racist and derogatory comments on social media.

A thread of messages starts with a student saying, "Kill all (expletive)."

Students tell Local 10 News that the message was posted in a private chat involving members of the high school's lacrosse team.

Someone took a screen shot and posted the words on social media for all to see. From there, it was a war of words between students.

"I'm offended what they quoted, that we should be exterminated," said student Nycholas Calixte.

"How did it make you feel?" Local 10 News investigative reporter Jeff Weinsier asked another student.

"Hurt," said student Kaitlyn Wisdom. "Honestly, like, these are my classmates, people I have classes with, people I have grown up with, and that's how they feel about people of my color."

The school district released a statement Monday saying: "Last week, several Miami Palmetto Senior High students were involved in a private group chat containing insensitive, racially-inappropriate remarks. The remarks were captured in a screen-shot that was shared with a broader community via social media.  It is believed that all of the messaging was done off campus, outside of school hours."

Miami-Dade County Public Schools spokesman John Shuster said the principal met with the students involved and their parents.

The principal also informed families of all students at the school through an automated telephone call as well as a letter that was posted on Twitter.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.