Two Waterloo region students told to stay home while police investigate racist social media posts

Two students in Waterloo region have been told to "stay at home indefinitely" while police investigate racist social media posts, the Waterloo Region District School Board says.

The board said it was made aware of "inappropriate and disturbing social media posts of a racially motivated nature" on Monday. The posts were allegedly by two students in the board.

"Staff have been in contact with the Waterloo Regional Police Service, as well as the families of those allegedly involved, and are investigating this incident thoroughly," the school board said in a statement Tuesday.

"At this time, it has been recommended that the students involved stay at home indefinitely while police are investigating."

CherriGreeno, a spokesperson for the Waterloo Regional Police Service, confirmed police"have been made aware of the posts and are investigating the incident."

CBC Kitchener-Waterloo received two emails with photos of the alleged posts. They contained racist imagery. The people who sent them indicated the photos had been reported to school administrators but nothing was done.

Alana Russell, a spokesperson with the school board, saidstaff responded immediately on Monday when they were notified of the posts.

The board statement said they are disappointed in the alleged conduct of the students, and they're proud of the student community that brought the issue forward "and their refusal to allow it to continue."

"As a school district, we have made equity and inclusion an area of focus for our schools and communities. This behaviour does not reflect the values and attitudes of our students, schools, staff or communities," the board said.

Jeff Klinck, the principal of Huron Heights Secondary School in Kitchener, issued a statement Tuesday afternoon addressing the "serious situation involving students from our school."

Klinck wrote posts and messages like those being investigated "are never appropriate and never funny."

"The actions of a few students do not define us as a school community," Klinck wrote. "We will always take whatever precaution is necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff."