From PATCH:
Last Wednesday evening, the Columbia High School Student Council hosted its annual volleyball fundraiser.
For the event, students self-organized in to teams with various team names and signed up to play for fun. This year, one of the teams set out to parody southern culture, calling itself “The South.”
In a misguided attempt at satire, students on this team wore makeshift team shirts that included the word “Dixie” and the number “1861.”
Staff advisors to the event intervened and had the students turn their shirts inside out at the event, which they did.
Although the intent may have been to elicit humor, by mocking a stereotype of the south, the offensive references to such a deeply troubling period of American history, demonstrated poor judgment and a lack of sensitivity.
They are out of step with the community values and the vision of the South Orange-Maplewood School District.
The students voluntarily delivered an apology to the school community this morning, which Dr. Lilly read on their behalf on the school’s television network.
They acknowledged their poor judgment and the lessons that they have learned. They have taken responsibility for their actions and they face consequences in accordance with the code of conduct.
In addition, the investigation into the organization and supervision of the event, including other team names is ongoing.
One of our district’s core beliefs is that quality education demands genuine appreciation of difference.
It is my expectation as Superintendent that this experience be treated as a teachable moment and used to raise awareness of our history and common values of appreciation and respect for all.
Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment