A high school has cancelled its homecoming after students posed for a photo wearing lettered shirts that spelled out a racial slur.
The six white students at Tishomingo High School each wore a letter that spelt out the word n**ger, the photo showed.
The district superintendent, in response, issued an apology Thursday and canceled Friday’s homecoming activities and football game. He framed the display as an ‘extremely poor decision’.
Students last week had been told to wear shirts emblazoned with random Scrabble letters for a spirit week activity.
Those who could assemble the word with the most points would win, they were told – paving the way for the students’ prank. None have been identified, but the photo of their faces continues to spur backlash days later as it spreads across the internet.
The six students each wore a letter that spelt out the word n**ger, photos showed. None were identified due to privacy laws, but their faces have been plastered across the internet
It happened at Tishomingo High School last week, during the Oklahoma school’s spirit week. Tishomingo is a town of just over 3,000
‘These young men had no fears, hesitations, or consideration for others,’ one person wrote on a Facebook post re-sharing the photo.
‘The boldness, the audacity, the recklessness, the stupidity, and the lack of a conscious mind.’
‘This is the kind of stuff that keeps hatred moving in the world,’ another chimed in, as the small town reacted to the incident
‘Teach your kids to be respectful,’ they added, ahead of the school’s now cancelled homecoming game.
Brandon Moreland, the school district’s superintendent, reacted himself in a statement sent Thursday, the day before the big game.
‘Racism and discrimination, in any form, will never be tolerated or accepted on our campus and is not reflective of the values of our students, school, or community,’ the Tishomingo Public Schools staffer said.
‘Our student body and staff include community members from all backgrounds, races, and religions, which is one of many aspects that makes our campus exceptional.’
Students last week had been told to wear shirts emblazoned with random Scrabble letters for a spirit week activity. Those who could assemble the word with the most points would win, they were told – paving the way for the students’ prank
Several online who seemed to be part of the town suggested those seen in the photo were football players for the school
In a separate notice sent around 4:30 pm that day, Moreland detailed how all Tishomingo Public Schools homecoming activities, including the parade and football game, would be canceled due to what he framed as ‘safety and security concerns.’
‘While it is unfortunate that the actions of a few are impacting a longstanding tradition enjoyed by many in our community, discussions with our local law enforcement partners reinforce the district’s decision to cancel,’ his second notice read.
The decision, he said , was made in hopes of ‘prioritizing the safety of Tishomingo and Antlers students, fans, and participants.’
Neither offered insight on the offending students’ identities, but some online who appeared to be part of the tightly knit town of 3,000 suggested those depicted in the photo are football players for Tishomingo High School.
Moreland’s letters did not confirm whether the students were football players and cited privacy laws that prohibit the district from sharing details surrounding the situation.
The district boss did say the school administration quickly contacted the parents of students involved – resulting in ‘immediate’ disciplinary action. It remains unclear what those punishments entailed.
Brandon Moreland, the school district’s superintendent, issued an apology Thursday in response, while canceling Friday’s homecoming activities and football game
He did not identify the students, but did say the school administration quickly contacted the parents of students involved – resulting in ‘immediate’ disciplinary action. It remains unclear what those punishments entailed
‘We recognize the vital role of education and remain steadfast in our dedication to fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and accountability among our student body and broader community,’ he added in one of the notes.
‘The district is grateful to our local law enforcement partners who continue to provide TPS with tremendous support as we work through this difficult time.’
He went on to reiterate how racism and discriminations at his schools would not be tolerated, before promising to keep tabs on the situation.
DailyMail.com has reached out to the school district for comment.
Mark A. Kellner is a reporter based in Mesquite, Nevada. He most recently covered statewide elections for the New York Post and was for three years the Faith & Family Reporter for The Washington Times. Mark is a graduate of the University of the Cumberlands and also attended Boston University’s College of Communication.
