VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- The Virginia Beach NAACP released a statement after reports of alleged racial harassment occurring at Kellam High School. Report: Kellam student received racist harassment from other students In a letter sent out to the community on Thursday, a Kellam Hig h School student allegedly received racist harassment from a group of other students at the school. The Virginia Beach NAACP stated they were "deeply disturbed" by the news. The Virginia Beach Branch of the NAACP President Dr. Eric Majette issued the following statement: “The rise in emboldened racist behavior in recent years is alarming and unacceptable. Racism should have no place in our schools, our communities, or anywhere in society. It is especially troubling that our youth must continue to endure the painful reality of discrimination. The Virginia Beach NAACP is committed to ensuring that all residents, especially African Americans, can live without fear or undue anxiety due to the color of their skin.We will continue to monitor this situation closely and look forward to the findings of the ongoing investigation by Virginia Beach Public Schools. We call upon school administrators, educators, and community leaders to take decisive action in addressing these incidents and fostering an environment of respect, inclusion, and accountability.In the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Virginia Beach NAACP remains steadfast in our fight against injustice and racism, recognizing its continued threat to justice everywhere. We also echo the call for unity made by Malcolm X in January 1965, underscoring the painful reality that nearly six decades later, this struggle persists.The Virginia Beach NAACP demands that Virginia Beach Public Schools uphold its commitment to equity and justice by implementing stronger measures to prevent and address racism in our educational institutions. We will not stand by while our children suffer the consequences of intolerance.” The involved students are being disciplined in accordance to the school division's code of student conduct. The school district reiterated its zero tolerance policy for racial discrimination and harassment. Macie Allen, Public Information Officer for the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office in Virginia Beach released a statement regarding potential criminal charges following the incident at Kellam High School: The situation that occurred at Kellam High School is reprehensible. We understand that people believe the actions of these students should be punished criminally. A thorough investigation was conducted by the Virginia Beach Police Department and reviewed by the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. The Office has determined that this behavior doesn't rise to the level of a crime under Virginia statutes. It's important to note that Virginia's hate crime statute is not a punitive statute but rather provides the definition of hate crime that can then be used to escalate punishment under other criminal statutes. Macie Allen 10 On Your Side's Brett Hall is investigating and will provide updates throughout the day. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. ...read more read less