In February, we usually see a group of teenagers or young adults getting in trouble for their incentive actions surrounding Black History Month. This time, it’s school officials who have some explaining to do.
Carondelet High School for Girls in North California wanted to come up with a way to celebrate Black History Month with students. They decided on a lunchtime celebration on Friday. The menu: fried chicken, cornbread, and watermelon. School officials are now apologizing to the students and parents who they offended.
Although she did not speak directly to the media, Principal Nancy Libby issued an apology letter to parents, stating, “I’d like to apologize for the announcement and any hurt this caused students, parents or community members. Please know that at no time at Carondelet do we wish to perpetrate racial stereotypes.” A diversity assembly was also held on campus on Wednesday to address the problem, as well as reassure students that the school does not perpetuate stereotypes.
ABC News states a school spokeswoman insisted that there was “a communications breakdown and the menu was planned and publicized without administrative knowledge or permission.” However, students who represent Carondelet’s Black Student Union told NBC Bay Area that they suggested watermelon be eliminated from the menu before it was made public. Principal Libby said that fried chicken and cornbread will be removed from the lunch menu moving forward.
BMWK – what do you think of this…do you think the school had well intentions…but just needs some diversity training?