A high school in Oklahoma has canceled its Homecoming celebrations after a photo emerged of several students spelling out a racial slur.
Tishomingo Public Schools’ parade and football game scheduled for Friday had been called off, Superintendent Brandon Moreland said Thursday, because of “a small number of high school students who made an extremely poor decision by displaying a disrespectful and very inappropriate racial slur while on campus.”
Newsweek has contacted Superintendent Moreland for comment via the Tishomingo Public Schools’ messaging platform.
Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said social media threats in response to the photo have been posted online.
“We have not received any credible threats or any of the kids but just as a security precaution talking with the administration at the school we felt that it was necessary to beef up our presence working with our local and state partners,” Sheriff Gary Dodd said.
The photo in question is of six white students smiling and posing while wearing printed out Scrabble letters on their chest which spell out a racial slur.
The photo went viral, finding its way onto X, Facebook, and Reddit. According to one poster, the students pictured were members of the football team who were dressing up for spirit week. Newsweek cannot currently verify these claims.
Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press
Following the photo’s circulation, Superintendent Moreland posted several statements to the school’s Facebook page on September 19. The first statement made students and families aware of an increase in law enforcement around the premises.
The second statement read that the school was made aware of a racist incident that took place, and stated: “While state and federal law prohibit me from disclosing details, please rest assured that when made aware of the incident school administration quickly contacted parents of students involved and took immediate disciplinary action according to our policies.”
The third and final statement read: “It is with great regret that due to ongoing safety and security concerns, I must announce the cancellation of all Tishomingo Public School homecoming activities.” The statement goes on to say that the school is working with law enforcement to prioritize the safety of students, fans, and participants.
Sheriff Dodd added on social media that not only was the district and its students receiving hate messages over social media, but that there were localized threats that caused concern.
Newsweek has contacted the Johnston County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office via social media outside of work hours for comment.
Per Dodd’s post: “Shortly before the school day ended, the Sheriff’s Offices received information about a more localized potential threat. This alleged threat involved possible physical violence during the scheduled Friday evening football game. This possible threat is now being investigated as a criminal matter.”
Dodd said on social media that the actions of the students does not reflect the wider community. However, the comments to his post were filled with people arguing about how the students and community should be held accountable.
One person wrote: “THAT action or those teenagers spelling that out and you guys doing nothing DOES affect the community and school. THAT was a threat and should be treated as so!!!”
Another wrote: “Sheriff Dodd has good jokes! It’s absolutely a reflection of the community and the school hasn’t taken care of the issue. Suspension for one week isn’t enough for blatant racism.”
Dodd confirmed on social media that his department would maintain a heightened law enforcement presence at the school for as long as he and the school administration believe to be necessary.
