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Marist High School 'Devastated' By Student's Racist Text That Went Viral

By DNAinfo Staff | November 7, 2016 8:55am
 Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., in Mount Greenwood
Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., in Mount Greenwood
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DNAinfo/Justin Breen

CHICAGO — After a tense weekend in Mount Greenwood following a police shooting that left a black man dead, a Southwest Side high school student whose racist text messages went viral is facing consequences. 

Black Lives Matter activists clashed with a group of Blue Lives Matter protesters in the neighborhood Sunday after the Saturday shooting of Joshua Beal, 25, by a Chicago police sergeant. 

RELATED: 'Racism Is A Sin': Catholic Leader Cupich's Message To Mount Greenwood

Black protesters said they faced "'60s-style racism" in the area and had to be escorted to their cars by police as people from the opposing group hurled racial slurs at them and urged them to "get out" of the mostly white neighborhood. 

On Twitter, one activist shared a screen shot of a text message reportedly from a Marist High School student, who said "I F------ HATE N------," to which one of her friends replied, "same." 

"Hmm... White girls at Marist like that?" someone said on Twitter, tagging the high school in the tweet. "Can't wait to see the repercussions if they get any." 

On Monday, the school responded on its website and Facebook page:

"This evening Marist High School was made aware of a racially charged post on social media involving Marist students. We are devastated by this situation.  Disciplinary action is being taken. Marist is a diverse community, made better and stronger by that diversity. As a school community, we continually work so that each student feels welcome, valued, and safe. 
 
"We have been and will continue to engage with diverse student leaders to give a voice to all students and to focus on shared values. 
 
Given the tenuous times we all are living in, and recent events nearby Marist High School, our mission to make Jesus known and loved is more pertinent than ever. As always, the safety of our students is of utmost importance." 

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Marist High School 'Devastated' By Student's Racist Text That Went Viral

Blue Lives Matter, Activist To Protest At Same Mount Greenwood Intersection

Police Were Forced To Shoot Joshua Beal, Alderman Says

'No Place' In Chicago For Slurs At Joshua Beal Shooting Protest, Rahm Says

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Mount Greenwood Schools Increase Security After Neighborhood Shooting

Black Lives Matter Chicago Help Family Cover Costs Of Joshua Beal's Funeral

After Mt. Greenwood Police Shooting, Black Lives Matter Told To 'Go Home'

Activists Felt Like They Were 'Back In The '60s' At Beal Protest, They Say

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