At the Airforce academy in Colorado, there was a racist incident that quickly went viral. Racist comments found in a dormitory which was directed at African-American cadets. When the remarks were found, the word quickly spread. Officials realized how serious the issue was and were quick to make sure the problem never happened again.

A superintendent named Jay Silveria made an announcement. He told people “That kind of behavior has no place at the prep school, it has no place at USAFA, and it has no place in the United States Air Force.” Many people were outraged by the incident and an investigation was opened. The targets of the racist remarks posted pictures of the comments online.

A few days later, the results of the investigation had come in. The person who was responsible was a surprise. One of the few people who had claimed to be targeted, was the culprit of the racist messages. They confessed being responsible for the actions. The man also explained how he had made himself seem victimized to get out of trouble for another issue. He had not meant to hurt anyone, as he was also an African American man. Although he did not mean to hurt others, the incident became a ‘hate crime hoax.’ He also said that this act was a prank and he felt bad for all the trouble that has incident has caused. The man responsible was Dauntarius Williams. He wasn’t a student but was a former student pretending to be a current one.

Although the crime itself had been a hoax, the hurtful words were still written. No legal charges were brought against Williams but he does feel extremely bad and there were other consequences. News of this incident was even brought to former political leaders. This shows how a simple thing can turn so big.

<Iris Lee Palos Verdes Peninsula HS 9th Grade>