HILTON, N.Y. — Pictures circulating use of the N-word being used during a lesson at Hilton High School have prompted calls for the state education department and attorney general's office to investigate.

Hilton officials say the language was used in context with the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" in an English class. Some parents heard about the lesson from their kids and then reached out to Arc of Justice Rochester.

The group is now calling for an investigation into why the lesson was being taught this way. They say it's unacceptable to put this type of language on display in front of children, especially when the word has long been known as racist and derogatory.

"My child was outraged, he felt offended that they shouldn't be putting those kinds of words up on a board," said parent Jessyca Roberts.

"In no way should this be acceptable," said Justin Morris, Arc of Justice Rochester president. "They said they put it out to see how children would respond in uncomfortable situations. Well today, we put you all on notice that children have responded to the uncomfortable situation to the magnitude of reaching out to the state department of education."

Hilton issued a statement on its website saying in part:

"The book sparks conversations that are indeed uncomfortable, but the district believes these conversations need to occur in a safe environment that allows all to participate. While we want to be respectful in never speaking these offensive words, we want our students to learn about why these words have negative connotations."

"Prior to displaying the slide in question, the instructor offered all students the opportunity to leave the room without any ramifications or judgement. The instructor numbered the words on the slide to serve as a code so that everyone could refer to the words without saying them out loud."

There has been no word yet on whether a formal investigation has been started.