Racist text messages referring to “picking cotton” were sent to Black students who attend at least one Massachusetts school amid an alarming nationwide trend targeting people of color in several states across America.
The texts invoking slavery were sent to Black men, women, and students, including middle schoolers, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other agencies.
In Massachusetts, Stoughton Public Schools said Black students at Stoughton High School are among those who received the racist spam.
“This particular text, in part, notifies the recipient that they have been ‘selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation,’” the district said in a statement. “This is part of an abhorrent nationwide trend. People from around the country have reported receiving this text, and others similar in nature.”
The text message in question continues, “Be ready at 12 AM sharp with your belongings. Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van, be prepared to be searched down once you’ve entered the plantation.”