Hanover High student writes racial slur on Henrico school bus

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Hanover High School student wrote a racial slur on a Henrico school bus during a junior varsity football game. The incident took place at Henrico High School during its junior varsity football game on Thursday, Oct. 24, which was played against Hanover High School. According to Hanover County Public Schools, its administrators were informed that a racial slur was written on the rear window of a Henrico school bus. It is believed that the student wrote it with their finger using dirt. An investigation was launched into this incident and a Hanover High student was identified as the person responsible. "While School Board Policy prohibits the disclosure of student records, we want to assure you that the individual responsible for this reprehensible, hateful and inexcusable incident is being held fully accountable to the fullest extent allowed by the Code of Student Conduct and School Board Policy," said Lisa Pennycuff, interim superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, in a statement. "We also want to note that this student is not a football player for [Hanover High School.]" Federal judge orders Virginia to halt voter removal program, put people back on voter rolls Pennycuff said that both the Hanover school division and its school board strongly condemn this act. "As a school division, we stand for unity, respect and inclusion," Pennycuff said. "We are unwavering in our commitment to being a school division where all students, faculty, staff, and community members feel welcome, valued, and safe. Simply put, there is no place for racism and other forms of hatred in our school communities and beyond, and we reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and respect." 8News reached out to Henrico County Public Schools for comment on this situation and was provided the following statement: Henrico County Public Schools is aware of an act of vandalism involving a racial slur written on an HCPS bus discovered during Henrico High School’s junior varsity football game at Hanover High School on Thursday night.  We are appalled by this incident and the hate language directed at our students. There is absolutely no place for racism in our schools or community. Hanover County Public Schools administrators have assured us that they share our outrage and that they have taken immediate action to identify and discipline the student responsible.  Henrico Schools prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive community where hate and racism are not tolerated, and we work together to ensure students are safe and treated respectfully on and off campus. Eileen M. Cox, spokesperson for Henrico County Public Schools No further information is available as of the time of reporting.