An Oklahoma high school canceled a class reunion celebration after six white students took an offensive photo spelling out the N-word.
Unidentified Tishomingo High School students engaged in problematic behavior by wearing shirts with random Scrabble letters on them as part of the school's spirit week. The Oklahoman reported..
The six boys then lined up and spelled out the offensive racist slur, some of them posing with hand gestures in celebration for photos to share on social media.
The shocking photo showed a “gross misjudgment,” Tishomingo Public Schools Superintendent Brandon Moreland said in a written apology.
“Racism and discrimination in any form is never tolerated or accepted on our campus and does not reflect the values of our students, school or community,” Moreland said.
“Our students and faculty include members of our community from all backgrounds, races and religions, and that is one of the many aspects that make our campus special.”
Tishomingo's homecoming events, including a parade and football game scheduled for Friday, were later canceled due to “safety and security concerns,” the school district announced.
“While it is unfortunate that the actions of a small number of individuals have impacted a long-standing tradition enjoyed by so many in our community, after consultation with local law enforcement, the safety of Tishomingo and Antlers students, fans and participants has been reinforced in the district's decision to cancel the event,” the notice read.
The outcry over the incident caught the attention of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
The governor's office said of the scandal, “Hate has no place in Oklahoma, especially in our schools.”
“Those responsible must be held accountable, and Governor Stitt hopes the Tishomingo community and all Oklahomans will use this opportunity to reexamine how we speak to one another and choose dignity over contempt.”
The identities of the six boys in the disturbing photo have not been released, but there is speculation online that they may have been on a high school football team, The Oklahoman reported.
Moreland said the parents of the students involved have been contacted and the school is taking disciplinary action.
“We hope this swift response underscores our district's commitment to maintaining an inclusive, respectful and safe campus environment for all,” he said.
