Some Minnesota middle school students have received racist text messages referencing slavery and plantations.

Hopkins Public Schools confirmed that a handful of Black students received the text messages from an unknown source. At least 13 other states have seen these hateful messages in recent days, the school said in a letter to families.

Law enforcement says residents, including children, received texts from unknown numbers telling them they’ve been selected to “pick cotton.”

The TextNow company — a service that allows people to create phone numbers for free — says it’s aware of the messages and says it shut down the accounts of those involved.

Law enforcement is investigating but says it isn’t clear if the source is domestic or foreign.

Hopkins and Minnetonka police are encouraging anyone who’s received a message to make a police report in addition to sharing it immediately with a teacher or trusted staff member at school.

The district included this message to families about the hateful message:

“Let us be clear: messages like these have no place in Hopkins Schools. We are resolute in our commitment to making our schools safe, inclusive environments for all students, staff, and families. Guided by our core values of love, vigilant equity, and authentic inclusivity, we are dedicated to responding firmly–there is absolutely no room for hate. At Hopkins, we believe in respecting and valuing differences. Our commitment to equity and inclusivity is unwavering, as we prepare students for a future that celebrates diverse perspectives and fosters belonging for everyone.”

The Minnesota Department of Education says they don’t know how widespread the messages are and provided this statement:

“Every student should have a safe and supportive environment in which to thrive. We do not have information on how widespread this is. MDE is available to offer resources to schools looking to support their students, families and staff.”

“Really, it saddens my spirit,” Cynthia Wilson, president of the Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. 

“We officer our healing circles every Tuesday and Thursday,” Wilson added if people need a place to gather, share and help heal. 

At last week’s Thursday’s meeting, she said people were well aware of these hateful messages. 

“One young person shared with me that he had gotten a text indicating, ‘How does it feel going back to slavery? Are you interested in being a cotton picker?'” Wilson said. 

She adds that creating spaces for people to share their feelings will be key and that their healing circles are open for anyone at their offices at 1101 West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis — they run from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Even in the midst of the things that are going on around and our country, in our state, we still have to encourage our young people, encourage our neighbors, encourage people to be resilient,” Wilson said.

Executive director for OutFront Minnesota, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, shared the following statement:

This election cycle has had real and serious impacts on many communities including our LGBTQ+ youth; and harmful rhetoric used by candidates has spilled over into our communities. We have seen a rise locally and nationally in harassment, and we urge communities, schools, and families to provide support and care to those most impacted.

Hate has no place in Minnesota.

To our LGBTQ+ youth – know that you are valued, cared for, and celebrated by so many in our state. There are resources available and people who can support you. Know that we have navigated challenges before – We’ve got you. We’ve got this.

You can view the letter sent to families from Hopkins Public Schools in its entirety below: