6 Massachusetts 8th graders charged with racist online behavior
Six eighth graders in Massachusetts are facing criminal charges after engaging in a group chat on Snapchat that included "hateful and racist comments," threats, and a mock slave auction directed at two juveniles. The Hampden County District Attorney's Office revealed that the students, aged 13 or 14, expressed violence towards people of color, racial slurs, and derogatory images. The incident was reported to school authorities, leading to suspensions and a month-long investigation resulting in charges including threat to commit a crime and interference with civil rights. The district attorney emphasized that hatred and racism have no place in the community and vowed to act swiftly to address such behavior.