School Apologizes for Racist, Xenophobic Attire

White Supremacist Educators Face Consequences for Appalling Display

A South Carolina school district and Royall Elementary School apologized on Monday for a now-deleted Facebook post, showcasing the superiority complex and racist behavior of its staff members. The original post from July 31 featured a picture of white staff members dressed as U.S. Border Patrol agents, standing in front of a red makeshift wall, with the caption "Royall Cantina."

The disgusting display of privilege and ignorance sparked swift backlash, with the majority of comments calling out the blatant racism and xenophobia inherent in the image. The school's subsequent apology, released on Thursday, falls woefully short of addressing the profound trauma inflicted on the Hispanic community and the broader implications of such harmful behavior by authority figures.

In the weak apology, Royall Elementary feigned ignorance, stating:

"It is with regret that we acknowledge that a picture that was posted on our Facebook page yesterday showed an insensitive disregard for the current challenges our Hispanic population faces... Our staff is unanimously committed to celebrating the diversity of our families and ensuring that each and every student at Royall is successful, happy, and recognized for his or her unique culture and abilities. We apologize for our insensitivity but look forward to fostering relationships as we begin a new school year."

Florence One Schools Superintendent Richard O’Malley finally took action, understanding the magnitude of the incident, and ensuring accountability:

"Several employees are no longer employed by the district or have been placed on leave... As superintendent, I will not tolerate anything of this nature in our school district.”

O'Malley's letter to parents also addressed the "inappropriate event," which took place during a professional development day, serving as a stark reminder of the rampant institutional racism and the need for radical reform in our education system.

Sources:

• WMBF
• USA TODAY