PRESS RELEASE
Questionnaire (Follow-up)
Friday, September 15, 2017
The investigation into the five Weber High School students shown in a short viral
video using a racial slur has concluded. The video was brought to the attention of
school officials on the evening of October 16th after it started circulating on social
media.
It was determined that 10-second clip was recorded by one of the students
approximately one year ago while the teenagers were on fall break. The video was
not related to any school function, and the activity occurred outside of school. The
recording was later posted to a private social media account by one of the students
where it was viewed by other students and eventually shared on other social media
platforms.
Weber School District respects every individual’s constitutional right to free speech
protected under the 1st amendment, and the district normally does not get involved
in issues of student conduct that occur outside of school. Exceptions occur when
student conduct outside of school 1) create substantial disruption to school; or, 2)
compromises the safe school environment. If there is a substantial disruption or a
compromising of the safe school environment, the school has a responsibility by law
to become involved pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and state
laws on bullying and harassment.
Students involved in extracurricular activities like athletics, cheerleading, and
student government are also held to a higher standard as they represent the school
in these capacities. To participate in such activities, students and their parents are
often required to sign a constitution (code of conduct) that specifies additional
eligibility requirements, standards, along with outlining prohibited behaviors.
In this particular case, the video that was made created a substantial disruption at
Weber High School and adversely affected many students, including some of our
minority students. Three of the five students shown in the video were also on the
Weber High cheerleading squad and each had signed a constitution. Provisions of
that agreement apply to specific misconduct both on and off campus.
Given the totality of these circumstance, the district conducted a thorough
investigation into the matter. This investigation involved interviewing students with
their parents and extensive fact gathering. All students involved in an investigation
by the district are afforded due process rights which must be respected.

 It is believed the students made the video by repeatedly saying the nonsensical
phrase, “sergin cuff.” When the video was uploaded into an app and played
backgrounds, the phrase produced what sounds like an offensive racial slur (f-word,
n-word). Although the students reported they were just playing around and it
wasn’t directed at any particular person, it doesn’t excuse the fact they knew what
the words sounded like when they recorded it and played it backwards. During the
investigation, all of the students involved expressed sincere regret for their actions
and have been very apologetic.
Racism in any form, whether intentional or not, has no place in our schools or
society. Weber School District has taken this matter very seriously. The
investigation has now concluded and the school has taken appropriate action
against the students. Since this action is now part of their student record and
protected by federal and state privacy laws, we are prohibited from releasing the
specific details. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), protects the
privacy of student education records, including any disciplinary records. Release of
this protected information would constitute a violation of the law on behalf of the
school district.
We hope this can be a learning experience for the students involved, as well as
others. Even though young people sometimes do things without really thinking it
though, it’s important that we correct inappropriate behavior and help them
understand the potential consequences of their actions. It’s also critical that we try
and prevent these types of things from ever happening again.
Our district is looking at several different options as far as sensitivity and antidiscrimination training that we could provide to students and staff. One program
we’re considering is the “SPIRIT” program offered by the U.S. Department of Justice
that brings students, schools and communities together. We are now moving
forward with the resolve to try and make the best of a very negative situation.
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