'Slaves' Instagram Page With Photos Of Black Students Surfaces

FITCHBURG, MA — Officials are investigating after an Instagram page titled "fhsslaves" surfaced, with pictures of Black students at Fitchburg High School posted to it.

"A variety of pictures" of Black or African-American students were on the page, WCVB reported, and it has since been taken down.

Administrators found out about the account within 18 hours of its creation, according to WCVB, and Fitchburg High School Principal Jeremy Roche said the school's administration reported it as a hate crime using Instagram's internal reporting system.

"Ultimately, these types of social media sites serve to divide and tear apart the positive, welcoming, inclusive school culture that we are working so hard to create here at FHS," Roche wrote in an email to parents on Friday, as reported by the TV station.

In a statement posted to the high school's Facebook page, Superintendent Robert Jokela called the Instagram page "unacceptable" and said school officials "contacted the proper authorities immediately."

"Fitchburg Public Schools' goal is to provide a welcoming and belonging environment for all students," Jokela said. "This matter is being addressed currently and we are unable to comment further at this time. The privacy of our students is paramount."

WCVB said school system staff have communicated with the Fitchburg Police Department, which confirmed to the TV station that it is conducting an investigation into the situation.

News of the Instagram page comes as other Massachusetts high schools are grappling with racist incidents.

Last month, it was revealed that the Danvers hockey team engaged in a hazing ritual where players were struck in the face with plastic sex toys until they shouted the N-word, and a video containing racist hate speech caused a fight at Quincy High School in November as well.