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Platte County School District target of virtual 'Zoom bombing' attack

Anonymous attendees made racist remarks
Posted at 3:57 PM, May 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-14 16:57:14-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Platte County School District was the target of a virtual "Zoom bombing" attack Wednesday night.

In a letter sent to parents, students and staff, Superintendent Mike Reik said four anonymous attendees made racist slurs and statements toward Keith Jones.

Jones is the new principal at the district’s high school and was hosting a meeting with 8th through 11th grade students to introduce himself.

“I am saddened by the hatred that was directed at Dr. Jones, and apologize to our students and families who witnessed this incident,” Reik wrote. “I am sorry that this act will take away from what was otherwise a very positive introduction, yet I am confident that Dr. Jones can handle adversity and will use this to help grow and improve PCHS.”

Reik commended Jones’ professionalism in continuing the meeting.

Jones told district leaders his overall experience meeting the Platte County community had been positive.

“I will not let a few negative comments deter me from staying focused on what we will do at PCHS. I’m very excited to be a Pirate, and I can’t wait to meet our students in person. I promise to provide a safe and inclusive environment where we support all kids,” Jones is quoted in the letter.

Reik made it clear in his letter that “racism and other acts of hate have no place in our PCR-3 community.”

The district on Thursday told 41 Action News its investigation into the incident is ongoing.

"Zoom bombing" occurs when uninvited guests hijack a virtual meeting and disrupt it in some manner.