The Hamilton Public School Board is investigating a racist incident that occurred in a classroom away from an elementary school.

In a letter to families Thursday, Collegiate Elementary School apologized after someone entered the online class that day, “used anti-Black racial slurs and other inappropriate language, and shared disturbing images and graphics ”.

“We are sorry and deeply disturbed that this has happened. This is unacceptable. Online harassment is not tolerated in our schools or communities and we will report this incident to the police,” the letter read.

“Social workers will be available as needed to support students affected by this incident. “

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) spokesperson Shawn McKillop told CBC Hamilton on Friday that it was not clear whether the person who entered the classroom was affiliated with the board or if it was a random person.

“We believe this incident is isolated,” he said.

He added that the school principal, Lisa Barzetti, was unable to do an interview as she supports families who may have questions.

The letter from the school board says the HWDSB is taking action to rectify what happened and will discuss online safety, appropriate behavior and accountability with staff and students.

The local Hamilton-Wentworth Elementary Teachers Union did not immediately respond to the request for comment and Hamilton Police said no police report had been filed.

Distance learning, which started on January 5, has caused some problems in the past.

Some transgender and gay students have already been ‘exposed’ in front of their peers in 2020 after some students’ legal names appeared on the Microsoft Teams platform during class, although some students now use different names.

The HWDSB has also attempted to tackle bullying and racism in its schools, as students have raised concerns about both issues.