Racial intimidation investigated at HS

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) - Local and federal authorities responded to claims of racial intimidation at Grand Haven High School that have occurred over the last couple of weeks.

Officials said there have been reports of racial slurs, hateful conversations and students wearing KKK-like apparel at the school.

Keith Konarska, the Grand Haven superintendent, told 24 Hour News 8 that the incidents are being investigated.

"These events are terribly concerning and absolutely unacceptable. We are taking them extremely seriously. This is not accepted in our schools," said Konarska.

Konarska said in a phone interview that there have been five suspected incidents and three of them have been verified.

According to Konarska, three students have been identified in relation to the three incidents and have been disciplined. Konarska did not reveal how the students had been dealt with.

Konarska told 24 Hour News 8 that he does not know if the same group of students are responsible for all of the alleged incidents.

"The district has not had problems of this magnitude before," said Konarska.

According to Konarska, the district is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.