CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. — The Chatham County school board has changed its policies when dealing with acts of racism to make sure students are held accountable. The move comes after a middle schooler was allegedly the target of a mock "slave auction" at a Goldston school.

What You Need To Know

Parents, faith leaders and community members voiced their concerns on Monday night in response to an alleged mock "slave auction" at a North Carolina school

The group petitioned Chatham County school board members to take action

As a result, the board updated its policies when it comes to racist acts

Families, faith leaders and community members came together on Monday night to shed light on the alleged racial bullying incident. The organization, CORE, led the press conference, which stands for "Chatham Organizing for Racial Equity."

Dozens showed up with people lighting candles in broad daylight as a symbol of support and solidarity. The middle schooler's mother, Ashley Palmer, was one of the many speakers.

Palmer says what happened to her son by his classmates was an act of "blatant racism."

"Racists acts shouldn't be disciplined on the same level as someone pulling another student's hair with a one-day suspension," she said. "It should have its own designation reportable at the county level and handled with the significant consequences it deserves."

After the press conference, the group petitioned the school board to take action. Many of the speakers said they want schools to be safe and inclusive, and that everyone needs to work to dismantle racism in the community.

Superintendent Anthony Jackson later apologized to every student that felt unsafe in their care, demeaned, disrespected or marginalized. Moving forward, he proposed a number of changes to the schools' policies when dealing with acts of racism.

Jackson mentioned they will be working with the school board attorney to look at discipline policies to make sure it aligns with all expectations for students with disabilities and all other protected groups.

Additionally, he said the school board will be designing and developing district-wide protocol for training all staff, so everyone is clear on what they expect and how they expect to operate in the community and schools.

The board approved the changes.