Michigan Civil Rights Commission: Uptick In Reports Of Ethnic, Racially Charged Harrassment

DETROIT (WWJ) - A higher than usual volume of calls coming into the Michigan Civil Rights Commission since the election of Donald Trump.

Director Augustin Arbula says he's seen an uptick in reports of alleged ethnic, religious or racially motivated harassment but is not sure if there's a connection to the presidential election.

"We don't care who is doing it or why. It's just not tolerated," said Arbulu about the alleged harassment.

State Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston says they've seen a new low in behavior since the election of Donald Trump last week.

"So we've seen, not a large number, but a significant enough number of incidents in our schools that raised the concern that we have to say we can't tolerate any of this, we want to get in front it before it becomes a bigger issue," said Whiston.

He's penned a letter warning districts that bullying and intimidation are unacceptable and will have consequences.

At one suburban Detroit high school a teacher who allegedly posted negative comments on social media is being investigated internally by the district.

A district spokeswoman says that it's a personnel matter, and wouldn't give more details to WWJ.

According to the Free Press, the teacher at Seaholm High School allegedly tweeted negative comments about Donald Trump supporters. One tweet reportedly said "Supporting a known racist misogynist makes one a racist misogynist. Actions are greater than words."

The teacher also reportedly made comments about students -- such as their academics, and quoted "Animal House": "Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through, life, son." As well as today's high school fashion: "By the time I retire, folks'll (sic) just be walking around in g-strings … Now get off my lawn."

The teacher reportedly removed his Twitter account.