Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is investigating what the district describes as a "very serious and inappropriate incident" involving racist social media messages after students alerted school officials to a "Slave Trade" Snapchat group. The incident mirrors a recent case in Texas which students used Snapchat to assign prices to students of color in a "Slave Trade" auction group.

According to TCAPS, school officials "immediately began an investigation into the matter" after the Snapchat was reported by students. "The school district continues to thoroughly follow its investigative and disciplinary procedures and responsibilities, including any requirements under board policy and Title IX," the district said in a release Friday.

“We are disheartened to hear this behavior and activity has occurred in our community, particularly at a moment when our nation continues to grapple with issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,” says TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. “Our schools and school communities are committed to working tirelessly to provide safe learning environments for all students by prohibiting harassment due to an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability.”

TCAPS is reaching out to community partners for their "ongoing support in helping to raise awareness around the need for our communities to embrace and celebrate all that makes us unique and special as individuals," according to the release. "TCAPS will also continue to do everything possible to ensure a safe and welcoming school environment and asks for parental support in helping to monitor non-TCAPS devices and outside of school activities."