CLOQUET, MN. (KBJR 6) –Tribal leaders in Fond du Lac are calling on headteachers Cloquet and Esko to take action after apparent screenshots of a racist conversation surfaced on social media.

Tribal leaders sent a letter to superintendents this week.

In the letter, they claim to have received a screenshot of a Snapchat conversation between Cloquet and Esko students.

These students allegedly made racist remarks and threats towards Indigenous students.

In the letter, Fond du Lac asked the districts what they intended to do to remedy the situation.

They wrote that the district must make sure all students feel safe at school and teach about the damage racist and violent rhetoric can cause.

Fond du Lac calls for an immediate response from the municipalities.

Cloquet and Esko released statements following the incident.

Leaders at Cloquet School said: “Our school community will not tolerate racial profiling or any racist or hateful language. This event…will lead to appropriate disciplinary action, individualized education targeting these racist beliefs, and restorative practices to address the damage caused by ignorance.

“We condemn the racist language used by a small group of students in a private group message,” Esko headteachers said. “In addition to tackling offenders, we will renew our ongoing efforts to build a culturally competent school community free from intolerance, ignorance and hatred.”

The full letter can be found on the Fond du Lac Band Facebook page.

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