The six high school students from Desert Vista High School in Phoenix were seen in a photo that stirred allegations of racism and hate. The photo showed them wearing t-shirts with letters on them, spelling "N-I-*-*-E-R."
The photo went viral across the nation.
Superintendent of Tempe Union High School District says the actions of the teens won't be tolerated.
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"We will not tolerate, anyone promoting any type of hate or using any type of racial slur," the superintendent said.
Arizona teen apologizes for racist t-shirt
One of the six teens in the photo apologized.
"I have come here to say that, I know people have been offended from what I did. And I have come here to say that I am incredibly, incredibly sorry. I have love for everyone in my heart," the teen said. "I am not a racist and I'm asking everyone for forgiveness to me."
The school district says the photo was intended to be shared with one of the students' boyfriend, who is African-American.
Students at the school have called on themselves to spark a change on campus.
"As the president of the black student union, we are going to start a campaign to end the n-word. This is our call to action," a student said.
The district superintendent said the six students have been suspended for more than five days.