Utah high school students disciplined after racist photo depicting the KKK, blackface is shared on social media

Hope Schreiber
·Writer
Two high school students in Utah have been disciplined after a photo depicting them in blackface being held by the neck by a non-student adult wearing a white hood was shared on social media. (Photo: Twitter)
Two high school students in Utah have been disciplined after a photo depicting them in blackface and being held by their hoodies by an adult wearing a white hood was shared on social media. (Photo: Twitter)

Two students at Hurricane High School in Utah have been disciplined after a racist photo depicting them in blackface was shared on social media. The photo, posted on Snapchat, has incited an investigation by local police.

According to Desert News, administrators of the Washington County School District school are saddened by the "repulsive" photo, which shows an adult wearing a white hood and holding the two students — in blackface — by their hoodies in front of the Confederate flag. The caption included in the photo reads, "[N-word] hunting 2019. I'm glad I could fill my tags this year."

"No level of discipline can repair the hate, bigotry and ugliness portrayed in that one picture," Washington County School District spokesman Steven Dunham said in a statement provided to the outlet. “The vulgar ignorance and idiocy on display are beyond repair by any small discipline we can provide.”

While Dunham is unable to reveal how the students were punished, he confirmed that the two students involved in the photo, which was taken off campus, have been disciplined.

Administrators informed police about the picture and urged them to bring in federal investigators if warranted.

While the photo is under investigation by the Hurricane City Police, they have issued a statement on Twitter asking those who have seen the picture not to circulate it, as they believe it would help "spread this hurtful message further."

"Hurricane PD does not condone this type of message but we are also aware of individuals right to free speech. At the conclusion of the investigation the appropriate action will be taken," the statement read.

Dunham shared in a statement: "Two students do not represent the views of the nearly 32,000 students, nor of the staff and teachers throughout our schools in the Washington County School District. While we are sickened by this photo, we will move forward with love as we further educate our students."

The district’s statement can be read in its entirety here.

According to Desert News, Dunham ensures that the school district will continue to "teach of love, kindness and inclusion." He adds, "As district administrators, we are considering what education would be helpful for students to understand the significance of civil rights protections and violations, as well as appropriate use of social media."

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