The word "Nigger"

I currently work at a high school that was initially created for kids who have criminal records, but is now a public charter school where anyone of high school age may attend. Nevermind the questions regarding why anyone would want to attend such a school if they don't have a criminal record, my concern has been over the constant use of the word "nigger". These kids say that word more than they say "the", which, drives me crazy! I was talking with a fellow colleague about it, and we agreed that this is a different generation. I decided to do some research on this word, and have found that within the African American community, some people think that its okay to use this word as a term of endearment! Reading that reminded me of a line from "Malcolm X" by Spike Lee, "I got called a nigger so much that I begin to believe it was my name." Well, my name is not nigger, and I don't condone the use of the word. Sure, there was a time that I did, but I'm thankful for the light. I'm thankful for those who prayed that one day I would have the opportunity to succeed in life regardless of the color of my skin. I'm thankful for those who risked their lives that I may be able to sit down and eat with whomever I chose. I can not participate in disgracing and disrespecting their works by engaging in anything that minimizes the fruits of their labors, and using the word "nigger" does just that.