KKK Robes in Class Cause Controversy; School Supports Teacher's Decision
Students donned Ku Klux Klan- or KKK- robes in class as part of a presentation at the Las Vegas Academy and caused a great deal of controversy. Their teacher will not face disciplinary action for the students' choice and has received support from the school district and parents.
"While the presentation was designed to highlight the atrocities committed by the Klan, and there was no intention to harm or offend on the part of the students, it was in poor judgment and inappropriate for students to go to such lengths to convey their message," Principal Scott Walker said in a letter sent to parents.
Not only did the students wear the robes in class, one of the two wore the robe and mask for a photo taken outside of class. After the picture was posted on social media, complaints began to pour in, forcing Walker to confront the situation.
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"We are deeply sorry for this offensive incident and appreciate your support and cooperation as we use these events as teachable moments about cultural and historical understanding," Walker wrote.
The students' assignment was to show their knowledge of United States history either through writing a paper, creating artwork or performing a narrative. The students donning the KKK robes did so with their teacher's permission, which was meant to help express what members of the Klan wore during that time period.
The teacher, however, did not approve of wearing the costume outside of class.
"The student in this case has been counseled and the teacher has been reminded of the policy in place to notify the principal of potentially controversial lessons. We expect the attention to this event will remind all teachers the policy exists only to protect them," Amanda Fulkerson, chief communications officer for the school district told The Las Vegas Sun.
"Personally, I feel that the school, the teacher, nor the students did anything wrong," Brandy Parker posted on The Clarion-Ledge.com. "Many of our students today better understand the material they are being taught through visual examples. If my child attended this school, I would proudly stand behind their decision to teach ALL parts of American history."
"This was a stunt subtle enough to hide behind a history presentation; the timing is perfect, yet controversial enough to cause discontent, with undertones of racism," Phyllis Steele countered.
