“Reprehensible and derogatory” social media post addressed by NHS Principal Rob Dennis
"I am deeply sorry that this behavior exists and that someone in our school building is responsible for it," NHS Principal Rob Dennis said regarding a social media post that included a racial slur, reported to administration last week.
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An email sent to the Northport High School community last Thursday, June 6 by Principal Rob Dennis detailed a situation reported to administration earlier in the day: a screenshot of a Facebook Marketplace post, “including the photo of one of our students with the caption For Sale, a price, and a reprehensible and derogatory racial slur, appeared on several Snapchat stories,” Dennis reported.
“Allow me to state the obvious – this behavior has absolutely no place in society, in our town, or in our school," Dennis wrote. "I am deeply sorry that this behavior exists and that someone in our school building is responsible for it.”
Dennis asked parents to speak to their children, and to remind them of not only the damaging effects of such behavior, but also of the consequences associated with sharing the post, the email read. He encouraged any students with information about the incident to speak to their assistant principal.
According to the email, Dennis contacted the Suffolk County Police Department with a report of the Facebook Marketplace post, “and will cooperate with their Hate Crimes Unit to the fullest extent possible,” the principal wrote. “Any student found to be involved in this hateful behavior will be issued severe consequences in accordance with our Code of Conduct.”
In an emailed response to the Journal regarding the situation, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dave Moyer confirmed that the incident involved Northport High School students but was not able to provide additional details due to an ongoing investigation.
“The district takes all instances of hate extremely seriously and has no tolerance for such behavior,” he said. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment in which all students feel a sense of belonging. The district has been working with the Suffolk County Police, as is typical in matters such as this.”
The superintendent was not able to comment on potential or specific student disciplinary matters resulting from the incident.
As of June 17, 2024 Principal Dennis did not have updates on the situation.
