Pocomoke Middle student wants justice after receiving racial slur

When 14-year-old Jalen Collins posted a family picture on Instagram, he never imagined it would take such an ugly turn.

His family picture now a meme reposted on social media by another Pocomoke Middle school student with a racial slur across the front.

He alerted the school, but his father Larry says the response was, to say the least, disappointing.

"They were going to take care of it and that was pretty much the gist of it," Larry says.

His family admits Jalen has been in trouble before and faced disciplinary action, racism was never a factor, and while the post was taken off Instagram, they want Pocomoke Middle school to take the situation more seriously.

"If I had to direct anything towards the school it would more so be the idea of, holding these kids accountable for these actions," Larry tells 47 ABC.

47 ABC reached out to Worcester County Public schools, who wouldn't comment on specific disciplinary action.

But they did say, "For Worcester County Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. Any incidents of bullying, harassment or intimidation are taken very seriously and are promptly and appropriately addressed."

Larry says, "Just doing our job as educators, parents, supporters of youth to let them know these types of things aren't okay. We don't advocate kids using those terms."

And Jalen's message is to treat other how you would like to be treated.

Larry tells us the police have contacted him and are looking into the case. He says they are supposed to be meeting on Monday and there could be further consequences for the other student.