An anonymous Instagram account with the username “ahs_white_culture” sent follow requests to Albany High School students on Oct. 7. The account’s posts spreading racist and demeaning content prompted a wave of backlash from classmates who called it “offensive” and “disgusting.” When students saw its reposts and profile picture, they began posting criticism on their own social media. A student says they posted a response to the account because, “I’ve never been shy to say what was right, and I know there were other people affected by it who didn’t feel enough courage to do so.” They add, “[racism] is something that’s becoming way too normalized at AHS.” Many students reached out to the school and encouraged others to do the same. In an emailed communication in the afternoon of Oct. 8, Principal Darren McNally stated, “School administrators began investigating as soon as we were made aware of the account. We reviewed the evidence students provided, conducted multiple interviews, and identified the student responsible.”