BETHEL, Wash. -- Sheriff's deputies and teachers were on guard at Bethel High School on Wednesday as a result of a vague threat made against the school.

School officials increased patrol after someone threatened that something bad would happen and students should stay away from school. At least three sheriff's patrol cars were present as a preventative measure.

Police launched an investigation after the rising racial tension among the school's students fueled two threats, including a possible drive-by shooting, in recent weeks.

Officials said trouble began two weeks ago when students exchanged hurtful words in the hallway, which resulted in a fight. Tension has been escalating since, and someone graffitied the n-word and hung a noose from the ceiling at the school in an attempt to allegedly taunt black students.

"It's crazy," said student Josh Miller. "This is my first year (at the school) and it's a shocker there is racism going on at the school."

School administrators are confronting the problem head-on, using the district's Web site to inform parents of the ongoings while talking to students about racism and asking them to report any offensive incidents.

Deputies already arrested one 18-year-old student allegedly involved in the noose incident. The Pierce County Prosecutor's Office is still reviewing the case to determine whether any charges will be filed.

Even in the wake of the unsettling incident, many at the school believe the best way to deal with the racial divide to simply communicate.

"Give them a hand out, say what is the problem between the races and black people and white people, what is the difference," said student Tereon Smith. "We're humans, we all put our pants on one leg at a time."