Rival high schools in Alabama had their 101st football contest canceled after a racially insensitive Facebook post sparked outrage in the community, and more athletic competitions between the two schools have since been canceled.
According to Tuscaloosa News, the Gordo High School cheer program posted a photo on Facebook that was meant to indicate the dress-up theme for its student section in the rivalry game against Pickens County: safari. In the photo — that has since been deleted — young people can be seen dressed in safari-style clothing holding stuffed monkeys and bananas.
Initially, Gordo principal Jeff Campbell said the photo was from a school dress-up day; however, it was later revealed that the photo was from a faith-based summer camp in Wisconsin.
Following the cancellation of the rival football game, TideSports reported, this week’s volleyball match between Gordo and Pickens County High School was also cancelled.
The controversy over the post stemmed from apparent racial disrespect identified by some community members. One alumni of Pickens County schools told Tuscaloosa News, “There is no diversity in the picture. That’s for a start. If this was not supposed to be offensive, why don’t you have African Americans? Because African Americans, we know, when you relate to [Blacks] as monkeys, what you’re trying to be is disrespectful.”
Pickens County High School data indicates that nearly 35% of the student body population is Black or African American, compared to only 17% of Gordo’s population.
Adrian Lake, a parent weighed in as well, saying, “I don’t appreciate the gesture or the picture. You’re not just talking about my kids, you’re talking about all black kids. Some people don’t get that. And, if you don’t get that, you’re part of the problem. I’m raising a black kid, not a monkey.”
Pickens County Schools Superintendent Shawn McDaniel said in a statement, “After a thorough investigation, it has been determined that no racial discrimination or profiling was intended in the post. However, we recognize that the post may have been upsetting for some individuals. Please accept our sincere apology on behalf of the Pickens County School District. There was no willful harm or malicious intent behind the post.”
While the football game was ruled as a forfeit by Pickens County, the school district has not released any information as to whether the volleyball match will also be ruled a forfeit or rescheduled.
