"The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages ... and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter," a statement reads.

Racist text messages received this week primarily by Black students nationwide — including in Missouri — are under investigation by federal authorities. The FBI said in a statement issued Thursday it “is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter.

Missouri State officials also said that racist graffiti was found in a bathroom on campus Thursday afternoon. Racist text messages also targeted students at the University of Missouri-Columbia and schools around the country.

UT urges students to report the racist text messages to the dean of their college and to the UT Police Department.

The texts being reported in multiple states, including South Carolina, refer to students as 'selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation'

Black college students across Georgia and South Carolina have reported receiving racist text messages in the days following the 2024 election.