Online Black Student Slave Auction Under Investigation in Massachusetts; Mother of Victim Filed a Civil Suit Against The Perpetrators in New England
New England, MA: Authorities are probing a racially motivated incident at a school in Southwick, Massachusetts, when white pupils reportedly organized a “slave auction” on social media, bidding on Black peers.
The Hampden District Attorney’s Office confirmed an investigation led by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit into a “racist conversation on Snapchat,” as reported by school authorities.
The racially charged incident occurred on February 9 involving kids from Southwick Regional School, situated in a serene New England mill town recognized for its rustic appeal and scenic vistas rather than racial tension.
The Springfield branch of the NAACP reported that white students reportedly directed racial obscenities at a Black female student. A Black student’s mother at the school lodged a legal complaint alleging that her daughter was the main victim in both events.
Allyson Lopez alleges that her child has experienced discrimination at Southwick Regional School for months, culminating in a fake auction during Black History Month. The girl’s identity was not disclosed due to her status as a minor.
Local NAACP President Bishop Talbert Swan sent an urgent letter to Superintendent of Schools Jennifer C. Willard on recent acts of hate, expressing concerns about their inappropriateness in a learning environment or any civilized society.
The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District concluded its inquiry on Feb. 16 and submitted the results to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni for consideration of potential criminal charges.
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School officials stated that they were restricted in disclosing information on the individuals engaged in the incident because of stringent laws safeguarding student privacy. However, they confirmed that suitable disciplinary measures were implemented.
Swan saw racism as a curse transmitted across generations and criticized school administrators for their perceived delay in addressing a past racial incident in the school district.
