Following what Prior Lake High School administrators have called a "serious and racist" video being posted on social media, students gathered protesting racism within the school.
In the video, one girl and another off-camera targeted a freshman student using racial slurs and mocking what appeared to be an attempted suicide.
"It is really, really hard being a student here at this school. I mean, you've heard the stories," a student said at the gathering, referring to their experiences in the school.
Students gathered with the victim, who was present, and shared that she had been overwhelmed with community support.
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The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community issued a statement that condemned the video, saying that a minor within their community was responsible for it.
Leaders of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community say they are talking with their youth about their history and the genuine harm racist beliefs and comments cause.
The tribe has also canceled its Community Day event planned for Saturday over safety concerns.
Dr. Teri Staloch, the superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage School District, held a conference discussing the incident. During the conference, she shared the district's support for the victim and her family.
"Our hearts go out to the student victim and her family. We've been in contact with them and are trying to support them in any way we can," Staloch said.
The incident is being investigated by local police because, in the video, the girls appeared to be encouraging the target to kill herself, something that is against the law in the state of Minnesota.
Prior Lake High School had half day today with students being released just after noon and the gathering taking place at 1 p.m.
Staloch shared in her comments to the community that the district is continuing to work to make its schools a safe place for students.
"Our focus right now is on our students, their safety, their emotional well being and doing all we can to support our staff as they continue to create an inclusive environment for learning and support," Staloch said.
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