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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

No Charges Against Student Who Distributed Racist Pamphlets

"Pages" by Flickr User Toshiyuki IMAI / (CC X 2.0)

McHenry County prosecutors say they won't file criminal charges against a student who circulated racist pamphlets in school.

The Daily Herald in Arlington Heights reports the decision not to prosecute the Huntley High School student was made despite officials finding the pamphlet's content "disgraceful and purveying a message that is unacceptable in this community."

Officials say an investigation determined the student handed out 10 to 15 copies of the pamphlet earlier this month. The pamphlet prominently featured the n-word. They say the student did not give the pamphlet to any black students, and received copies of it from another student.

In its statement, the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office said it concluded the First Amendment prevented it from prosecuting the student. School officials haven't said if or how the student will be punished.