Parent Ashley Palmer wrote on Facebook that similar incidents at the school “seems to be the norm so much” that her son “didn’t think it was worth sharing,” the New York Post reports.

“His friend ‘went for $350’ and another student was the Slavemaster because he ‘knew how to handle them,” Palmer added in her post.

She also noted that some students were singing the n-word, CNN reports.

Parents said they’re upset that the students involved were only suspended for one day.

 

Palmer is now demanding policy changes to the student code of conduct and discipline policies.

“Racist acts shouldn’t be disciplined on the same level as someone pulling another student’s hair with a one-day suspension. It should have its own designation reportable at the county level and handled with the significant consequences it deserves. No child should face abuse by their peers and staff,” Palmer said at a press conference before a Chatham County School board Meeting, the News & Observer reports.

A coalition of local groups required the school board to rectify the situation.

“These students were emboldened to not only commit brazen and overt acts of racism but to retaliate further and continue their aggression after serving a perfunctory one-day suspension,” the coalition said, according to ABC News.

The groups also want the district to implement severe consequences for school employees who participate in racist behaviors.

Before presenting the school board with an action plan, superintendent Anthony Jackson apologized.

“As a father, as an educator, as a grandfather, tonight was very difficult. It’s difficult to sit here and listen and hear and hurt for our children. Schools are for children, and as partners with parents, we are responsible for helping students realize their full potential. As many people identified tonight, creating safe environments for students is the first promise schools make to families,” Jackson said, CNN reports.