The Huntsville, Alabama school district has spent more than $150,000 to spy on its students in an attempt to prevent violence from happening in school.

The school hired a former FBI agent to monitor certain students' social media profiles for questionable content without the students or parents knowing.

Mediaite reports the Huntsville School Board paid $157,190 a year to a former FBI agent named Chris McRae to spy on certain students through their social media profiles, particularly their Instagram and Twitter accounts. Fourteen students were subsequently expelled thanks to this program.

According to Alabama.com, which broke the story, the school district hired McRae last year "to oversee security improvements" as part of an online investigations program called Students Against Fear (SAFe). McRae's position is described as "security consultant."

Alabama.com's investigation showed that, out of the 14 students expelled, 12 were African American.

"That is effectively targeting or profiling black children in terms of behavior and behavioral issues," said Madison County Commissioner Bob Harrison.

However, the only African American school board member, Laurie McCaulley, defends the school board's actions, which were based on evidence of serious offenses involving weapons, drugs or sex.

"These numbers tell me that I have kids with some major issues," she said. "What I think the board is doing is trying to provide a safe environment for all children."

The program only came to light during the investigation, and it showed that it only targeted a specific group of 600 students out of the 24,000 in the city. The school district's investigators honed on these particular students thanks to tips from other students as well as teachers.

Concerning McRae's employment by the school district, Huntsville provided the following statement:

"Specific to Huntsville City Schools, McRae provides security training, along with reviewing security features at Huntsville facilities both existing and those under construction. He recommends enhancements and improvements and works with HCS security staff on tips that are referred to the District office."

According to city schools spokesman Keith Ward, McRae also oversaw the SAFe program.

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