September 24, 2025
The college superintendent has confronted immense backlash for the shortage of motion towards the offensive guests.
A Georgia highschool is going through warmth after a “blackout” theme for a volleyball sport turned a case of blackface.
Whitewater Excessive College in Fayette County, Georgia, has sparked controversy over its dealing with of the case of blackface. In a sport towards LaGrange Excessive College, guests not related to Whitewater determined to poke enjoyable on the “blackout” theme, which was supposed for followers to put on all black clothes to the volleyball match.
In accordance with Fox 5, one pupil and several other adults determined to paint their total faces and our bodies black, with Whitewater Excessive College permitting the offensive attendees inside. Images of the group went viral, with every sporting a white curly wig or afro-style wig, in addition to letters painted on their chests that spelled out “Rylee.“
Though not one of the college students attended Whitewater, Fayette County’s Superintendent Jonathan Patterson acknowledged the transfer as a misstep that shocked the neighborhood. Nevertheless, others should not letting the educational chief off the hook for the racist incident.
Georgia State Rep. Derrick Jackson condemned the offense and the preliminary inaction surrounding it. He blamed the college system’s insurance policies for permitting the guests, calling for the superintendent to step down as nicely. He even famous that Patterson declined to attend a press convention addressing the problem, whereas asserting that the Whitewater principal’s personal assertion appeared lackluster.
“The presence of blackface was an act of profound insensitivity, and the Fayette County faculty system’s failure to handle it was unacceptable,” expressed Jackson. “This can be a time for the superintendent to go away. We’re right here to demand that the superintendent take rapid and decisive motion.”
Blackface has an notorious historical past in America, with the tactic used to mock and degrade Black People and their pores and skin coloration. Fayette County Colleges’ coverage explicitly prohibits harassment or discrimination, however reviews couldn’t affirm if any of the scholars have confronted any repercussions but.
Different advocates, such because the Fayette County NAACP chapter, have additionally launched statements condemning the allowance of the hateful act. Its president, Kevin Pratt, mentioned their place stays “clear.”
“Our place is evident. We absolutely condone any acts of inference, hate, racism or intimidation. We stand with our total neighborhood to make sure each pupil and household is handled equally, revered and guarded.”
The chapter’s vp, Quentin Pullen, additionally described the problem as “ironic,” noting that it might be a “teachable second” for the Fayette County Board of Schooling.
In response to the backlash, Patterson agreed to work with the NAACP for sensitivity and assist coaching for personnel, within the hopes that they may take swift motion to make sure these racist acts don’t occur in Fayette County faculties.
“Shifting ahead, we’re dedicated to making sure this doesn’t occur once more,” wrote Patterson. “We acknowledge the necessity to strengthen the cultural consciousness of our staff and gate staff.”
He continued, “To that finish, we shall be working intently with companions, together with the NAACP, to supply coaching and assist in order that our workers can reply appropriately sooner or later. We will even evaluation our pupil code of conduct to find out applicable actions to make sure this doesn’t happen once more.”
RELATED CONTENT: Missouri Rep. Raychel Proudie Broadcasts State Senate Bid Centered On St. Louis County
