A social media picture of two local black Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. students running from a photoshopped background image of a robed Ku Klux Klan figure has drawn the anger and dismay of two leading minority groups in Columbus.
Those groups, the Columbus/Bartholomew County Area NAACP Branch and the African American Pastors Alliance, will meet in a public gathering at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Doug Otto Center’s King Conference Room, 1531 13th St. in Columbus.
NAACP President Olisa Humes said the meeting would be in part to issue a firm denouncement of the photo showing the two black students running while the KKK figure looks on. A third student, who is white, is shown in the background.
“I was angry,” Humes said about the image.
The following statement was issued by Superintendent Jim Roberts about the social media posting:
“We are aware that there is a photo being circulated electronically that includes multiple photoshopped images, including current students, one Caucasian and two African-American, and a KKK robe.
It is important to note that none of the students pictured had anything to do with the production and distribution of this photo.
Information about this photo was first shared with us on Monday evening, March 9, an investigation was concluded on Tuesday, March 10, and severe discipline, which includes a suspension and recommendation for expulsion from school, was administered to the individual responsible.
Such behavior by our students will not be tolerated or condoned. As an organization, we are committed to the provision of a safe and secure environment, celebration of the diversity of our student body, and the development of each student as accepting individuals of all cultures and customs.
Our school corporation is a reflection of this community. Therefore, it is imperative that we continue to work with our community partners to ensure that every individual in Bartholomew County experiences a welcoming environment and sense of belonging.”
The Rev. Mike Harris, the leader of the pastors alliance, said one of the black students pictured running is a relative of his, and that the photo had been circulating in some fashion on some parts of social media since Monday. It began appearing on multiple Facebook feeds on Wednesday.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
