Teens Racist Video Causes Uproar In Nutley – Belleville, NJ Patch
NUTLEY, NJ — A video of Nutley teens shouting racial slurs has created an uproar on social media, inspiring several local and state officials to make pleas for tolerance and respect in its wake.
The video, widely circulated Wednesday, shows a group of white, teenage girls repeatedly saying that they “hate n******.” Outrage over the post quickly followed on social media, with many people calling for disciplinary measures for the teens who created the video.
On Friday, two state Assembly members from the state’s 28th District offered a joint statement about the video.
Cleopatra Tucker and Ralph Caputo, who represent Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Newark and Nutley, wrote:
“Bigotry and racism is never acceptable under any circumstances anywhere, including on social media. It’s far too easy for youth to abuse technology and post derogatory content, particularly when there is no parental supervision. Parents have a responsibility to teach right and wrong. By speaking out against hate, we can all teach our children the importance of tolerance, acceptance and respect.”
On Thursday, the Nutley Police Department announced that after reviewing the footage – which generated “overwhelming responses” after being posted online – investigators determined that no crime was committed.
The investigation was conducted in cooperation with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities said the video used “unacceptable language” and was “completely inappropriate and in poor judgment.”
“Although the actions of these juveniles did not rise to the level of committing a crime, their actions were in poor taste and do not reflect the sentiment of Nutley residents,” Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo said in a statement.
“The Nutley Police Department will continue to monitor social media outlets,” Petracco and Strumolo said. “Although it is understood, that everyone has the right to voice their opinions. Any perceived threats or acts of violence will be fully investigated.”
TAP Into Nutley published a letter that Superintendent Julie Glazer wrote to the school community about the video. In her letter, Glazer said “the Nutley Public School District condemns all acts of bigotry, racism and hate.”
“We believe in using this incident as another opportunity to highlight cultural responsiveness and sensitivity within our district, curriculum and community. As educators, it is our responsibility to engage in conversations that promote understanding and critical thinking, and maintain our schools as a safe haven for all students and staff from threats and discrimination.”
Many Nutley residents immediately decried the video on social media.
“This absolutely unacceptable,” one person wrote. “Disgusting to even see.”
“As a student at Nutley High, I’m beyond disappointed and disgusted by the ongoing blatant racism that is shown in this town and the people looking the other way because of how rooted certain people are in this community,” another person wrote. “Action needs to be taken.”
Pro wrestler Anthony Bowens, a Nutley native, tweeted about the video:
“As a resident of Nutley, I can tell you that this doesn’t accurately reflect the great people that live here. However there always seem to be a select few to destroy that reputation as seen here. I hope @NutleySchoolsNJ @NutleyPrincipal act on this terrible racism immediately.”
Nutley Township Commissioner Steven Rogers also tweeted about the video:
“As a Commissioner TSP of Nutley NJ & 38yr veteran of the NPD I want to assure everyone who saw that video involving students that their statements don’t reflect Nutley. In Nutley we are neighbors of all races, genders, & religions, who work with each other for the common good.”
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