Students at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Md., were caught by staff trading “N-word passes” during their lunch hour on Friday. The papers gave the pass holders “permission” to use the N-word, WJLA reports.

Following the discovery of the passes, principal Brandice Heckert released an impassioned email, stating, “I am deeply disappointed and appalled that any student in our school would [choose] to engage in such a racist, hateful act. This behavior is disgraceful and does not reflect the values expected of Winston Churchill students. Not only is this behavior hurtful to our community, but it also undermines all the great attributes our students have to offer. I made a promise to all students that I would not ignore acts of intolerance and hatred… While I cannot share specific consequences for the students involved, please be assured that they will match the severity of the action and will be in alignment with the Student Code of Conduct.”

MORE: Last evening, Principal Brandice Heckert sent an email to parents saying she was "deeply disappointed and appalled" that students engaged in "such a racist, hateful act." Next week's Churchill H.S. PTSA meeting will now focus solely on "tolerance, racism and, bias." pic.twitter.com/6bydRQV26y — Kevin Lewis (@ABC7Kevin) February 12, 2019

Heckert appears to be proactive in correcting such blatantly offensive behavior, including meeting with all members of the staff, student leaders and other students to “talk about the incident and to discuss what can be done collectively to not only teach acceptance and tolerance, but to also celebrate the different cultures within our community.” Heckert added, “The PTSA Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, will solely be an open forum on tolerance, racism, and bias.”

Heckert did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s requests for comment.

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