Plymouth-Canton Schools Find Racist Posters, Will Hold Open Forum

PLYMOUTH-CANTON, MI — Plymouth-Canton school officials will hold an open forum to discuss recent racist incidents that occurred within the district's schools. The Forum on Hate and Bias was scheduled for May 11 at 6 p.m. at the Discovery Middle School in Canton.

After school officials investigated a racist video that showed a white Plymouth-Canton student threatening to shoot and lynch his black classmates, school officials said Friday they found three posters containing hate speech.

Plymouth-Canton Schools Superintendent Monica Merritt said officials notified police, who determined the students involved in the incident within 48 hours. Merritt said the incident is "being addressed in accordance with the K-12 student handbook."

"Only by working together will we be able to eradicate these types of incidents across our communities," Merritt said. "Thus, I would urge you to continue to have an open dialogue with your children about the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where all are welcome."

Merritt also encouraged students to report incidents of hate and bias in schools or at school-related events to officials or through an online form.

In addition to the online-reporting form, the president and vice president of the Black Student Union told WDIV that school officials implemented a new QR code in all the district's classrooms and hallways. Reports will alert school officials and could be submitted anonymously or with contact information to receive updates.

School officials encouraged the community to come together and discuss the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion to maintain a supportive learning environment within the district.