BANGOR (WGME) — The Bangor School Department will order an outside investigation into the high school’s handling of racism.

This investigation is the result of several students from the district speaking out about their experiences of other students using racial slurs against them, and defending slavery and white supremacy in class discussions.

These students, who make up roughly 3% of the student body, also claim that when reporting said incidents to the Bangor High School faculty, they were refused any assistance.

The superintendent is praising the students who came forward with their experiences.