A South Carolina elementary school is facing backlash after a photo of a staff member wearing a “Border Patrol” T-shirt was posted on the school district’s Facebook page.
The Royal Elementary staff members pictured in the photos have since been fired or placed on administrative leave, according to a letter sent by Florence 1 School District Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley.
Florence 1 School posted, but has since removed, a photo of two staff members wearing gray “Border Patrol” T-shirts during an event celebrating its Hispanic history on Wednesday.
Other images posted to the school’s social media pages showed staff dressed in sombreros and other costumes standing in front of a red brick wall bearing a “Royal Cantina” sign.
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Royal Elementary School in South Carolina posted “insensitive” social media posts that have since been removed, and district administrators said they led to the firing of several staff members and a change in school leadership. (WPDE)
O’Malley released a statement acknowledging the controversial photo and saying an investigation into the incident was ongoing.
“We were notified by staff that an inappropriate social media post had been made to the school’s Facebook account. The content of the post and the actions of the staff involved are unacceptable and do not represent our school, students, staff or the entire school district,” O’Malley wrote.
“Today, this matter has been thoroughly investigated and those who participated in this incident have been held accountable for their decisions and actions. This kind of behavior has no place in our schools, and I will not tolerate it within my district.” — Dr. Richard O’Malley, Florence 1 Superintendent of Schools
O’Malley also sent a letter to all parents in the district, which he shared with Fox News Digital.
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Several Royal Elementary School staff members have been fired or placed on administrative leave after “inappropriate” photos taken during an event celebrating Hispanic heritage were posted on the school’s Facebook page, Florence No. 1 School Principal Richard O’Malley said Friday. (WPDE)
“Dear Royal parents, As you are aware, an inappropriate incident occurred Wednesday morning at Royal during a pre-back-to-school professional training day. Photos of the incident were subsequently posted to the school’s Facebook page. Due to the severity of this incident, several staff members have either been terminated by the district or placed on administrative leave by district administrators. As superintendent, I will not tolerate any behavior of this nature within my district,” the letter read.
O’Malley added that the district’s assistant superintendent for elementary education and STEM director will serve as “acting administrators.”
Images posted on the school’s social media pages showed Royal Primary School staff wearing sombreros and other costumes. (WPDE)
Royal Primary School released its own statement, acknowledging the existence of the images and apologising for the “insensitive” behaviour.
“We regretfully acknowledge that a photo posted to our school’s Facebook page yesterday showed a callous disregard for the current challenges facing our Hispanic population. At Royal, we take great pride in our longstanding tradition of accepting and supporting every student who walks through our school doors. Our staff celebrates the diversity of our families and is committed to ensuring that every student at Royal is successful, happy and recognized for their unique cultures and abilities. We apologize for any insensitive response and look forward to nurturing relationships as we begin the new school year.” — Royal Elementary School
Comments are turned off on the school’s apology post on Facebook.
