New Berlin School District investigating video with homophobic slur

NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) – New Berlin School District is investigating a cell phone video that was posted on social media. It shows a student at New Berlin West using a homophobic slur.

School officials wouldn’t go on camera but say they’re investigating the situation.

A video posted on social media appears to show a New Berlin West High School student yelling a homophobic slur at a classmate.

In the video, you see two students wearing shirts that read “there’s only” with a male and a female symbols, like those seen on bathroom signs.

“If it was my son, that would not be acceptable,” says Kelly Faranckowiak whose son attends the middle school. “Regardless of what our beliefs are, there are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t do that.”

In a message to parents, school officials says it was taken after school on campus.

They went on to say “The language used in the video by the students will not be tolerated in our school. We do not believe the views shared in the video are reflective of our student body as a whole.”

“I feel bad for them, but I think people need to have some respect for other people’s views,” says Gretchen Vatter who was reacting to the video after seeing it for the first time. “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

Some parents feel this should spark a conversation at home.

“I think parents need to tighten up the communication with children,” says Faranckowiak.

The district would not go into specifics regarding student discipline, but says they intend to hold the students involved accountable.