State Superintendent Brian Whiston sent out a statement Nov. 14 that said Michigan schools are reporting many incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying among students.

This sudden rise of hateful incidents within schools could potentially be linked to the U.S. presidential election.

Incidences have been reported throughout the state in Okemos, Charlotte, DeWitt, Eaton Rapids, and Royal Oak.

A few of the behaviors being reported in schools are students chanting racial comments and things like, “build a wall,” as well as writing anti-LGBT slurs.

Mr. Brian Boudreau, dean of students, said there have been no reported incidents at Kearsley High School.

Although no serious cases have occurred at Kearsley, Assistant Principal Matt Moore believes there are still harsh words being said, especially toward different ethnicity groups, in other schools.

“Nothing significant has happened here at Kearsley,” Moore said. “But I’ve definitely heard of the cases in Michigan (with) Hispanics being a group that is particularly targeted.”

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights received an increase of calls after the presidential election. A large portion of these calls are being investigated as discrimination complaints.

Junior Anne Marland said she has heard harsh words being said between friends and family, ruining relationships that shouldn’t even be effected by a government ordeal.

“The outcome of this election is causing friendships to break apart,” Marland said. “It’s sad and unfair.”

The image in this story is from flickr.