Racism and ignorance know no bounds, even in high school.
There were monkey sounds at a girl’s basketball game, slave auctions on Snapchat, attacks on Black hair, and anti-Semitic taunts at sporting events. One announcer even used the N-word on air.
This weekend, a racist sign requesting a date to homecoming was added to this horrendous list.
“If I was Black I would be picking cotton. But I’m white so I’m picking you for HOCO” read the sign held by two white students at Olathe South High School in Kansas.
The photo went viral, prompting officials from Olathe Public Schools in Johnson County to investigate.
Dale Longenecker, principal at Olathe South, sent a letter to parents regarding the incident.
Part of the letter, as reported by the Kansas City Star, read: “The type of behavior displayed in the social media post does not meet the expectations of our core values. Any behavior like this will be immediately addressed in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.”
This captured the attention of Arizona Cardinals’ linebacker and Olathe native, Isaiah Simmons.
He took to Twitter on Saturday and expressed his disgust over the situation.
Rhonda Windholz, the mother of the girl in the picture, sent a statement Saturday to KSHB 41 News.
“One Caucasian and one African-American boy were involved. It was the African-American boy who actually made the sign, already marked up and took the picture,” said Windholz in her statement. “This by no means makes it right but should shed some light on the situation.
“Caught up in the excitement of being asked to her first ever homecoming, our daughter held the sign that was given to her. It was only after actually comprehending the situation, that she realized what was happening. She blatantly said no!! By then, it was too late.
“Please know that we have diversity in our own family and believe that all lives matter. We have received many death threats and numerous people have told our daughter to kill herself.
“The response to this misunderstanding has caused much confusion and pain for many. We sincerely apologize to all who are offended.”
Regardless, they should all know better.
Yet instead of shutting down the incident before it starts, the apologies come barreling down after the situation goes viral.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the most most recent racist incident in the area.
Earlier in the month, students at Park Hill South High School in Kansas City circulated a petition to bring slavery back.
“We are outraged, hurt and saddened that this occurred,” said school Principal Kerrie Herren in a statement to the student body. “This is not who we want to be at Park Hill South. Our differences make us stronger. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment.”
According to KSHB 41 news, Herren said those students were punished but refused to divulge details due to student privacy concerns.
After events like these, it’s amazing, yet definitely not surprising, to see the crowd ignorantly outraged over Critical Race Theory go silent.
