TRAVERSE CITY -- The Michigan Department of Civil Rights continues its investigation into allegations of a racially charged assault at Traverse City Central High School.
Witnesses said a large group of young males descended on a black youth at the school Sept. 26. At least one of them allegedly spat racial slurs as the group beat and kicked the victim, 15.
That youth, 16, was charged with a felony count of ethnic intimidation a few weeks after the incident. Several other youths were identified in a police investigation, but no additional charges were filed.
MDCR spokesman Trevor Coleman said his agency is in the process of "reaching all the key people" in the case, specifically family members. Their sentiments and how they view the incident are important to the investigation, Coleman said.
"The case is still, as far as our department is concerned, under investigation until we get some clarity ... I'm curious to see how the family sees this," he said.
The department's investigation could end up with a number of different results. It could recommend legal action or sanctions against an individual or organization, Coleman said. It also might provide counseling and support if it perceives racial stress.
"(We) have resources we can provide to the community and school system to help ease tensions," he said.
But it's too soon to tell what might happen, Coleman said.
The suspect pleaded no contest to a count of attempted ethnic intimidation in the Family Division of 13th Circuit Court last week. The court allowed him to move to Florida to live with his father, Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Al Schneider said.
The victim pleaded guilty to a weapon possession charge tied to an incident a few days after the alleged assault. Police said they found him at a Front Street restaurant with two knives, and he later spent about two weeks in a juvenile detention facility in Roscommon County.
He's now living with his grandmother in Muskegon, his mother said, where he'll likely stay.
"It's just been too much trouble up here," his mother said. "It's been too much for all of us."
The Traverse City Police Department doesn't plan to seek charges against additional individuals, Capt. Brian Heffner said.
