BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Reports of racist text messages to high school and college students have been making waves across the country and now in central Alabama.
Students at the University of Alabama and Montevallo High School in Shelby County received a text reading, in part, "Greetings, you have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at 1:00 p.m. SHARP with your belongings. Our executive slaves will come get you in a brown van. Be prepared to be searched down once you've entered the plantation. You are in Plantation Group C. Good day."
Margaret Huang, the President and CEO of Southern Poverty Law Center, said they have started their own investigation.
"The investigation is that somebody went to the trouble to purchase cell phone information into some group of people. We don't know how many yet, but that's what's underlying it," said Huang.
According to SPLC, the texts were sent to young Black people and students across the country, including students at the University of Alabama.
"It has frightened a lot of people in a way that should never happen 150 years after slavery ended. It's the wrong kind of attitude," said Huang.
The University of Alabama released this statement in response to the reports.
"It is our understanding that individuals across the country have received these disgusting messages. This has been reported to authorities, and we’re asking anyone who may have information regarding these messages to report it to the appropriate authorities. UA students who have seen or received such messages are also encouraged to contact the Office of Student Care and Well-Being for any additional support that may be needed."
Shelby County Schools also released a statement in response, as students at Montevallo High School have reported an incident as well:
"Shelby County Schools is investigating an incident after students at Montevallo High School received inappropriate and concerning text messages through an anonymous messaging app. The school district takes this matter very seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. The school district reported the incident to local law enforcement who is currently investigating the source of these messages. "
Rev. Lukata Mjumbe, the Executive Director for the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium, said the message should be taken seriously.
"We're not going to laugh it off, we're not going to dismiss it. It is not something that we can dismiss at all because we know our history," said Rev. Mjumbe.
With an investigation underway, Rev. Mjumbe said he is calling on state and country leaders to condemn the action.
"As Dr. King asked years ago 'Where do we go from here? Chaos or community?' That's a question that we still have to ask and answer." said Mjumbe.
A statement by the FBI said in part "The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter. As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities."
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall also spoke out in a statement reading in part “We have been made aware of these text messages. The language used is clearly intended to intimidate recipients and is abhorrent. If you receive one of these text messages, you should immediately report it to law enforcement.”