Anna Codutti
Tulsa World Breaking News Editor
A town of about 3,000 in south Oklahoma is in the spotlight after some high school students “made an extremely poor decision” involving a racial slur, prompting the district to cancel homecoming.
A photo posted on social media purports to show a group of boys participating in spirit week festivities, each with a different “Scrabble” tile on their T-shirts spelling out the six-letter slur. None have been identified, but Tishomingo Superintendent Brandon Moreland said the district has contacted each boy’s parents “and took immediate disciplinary action according to our policies.”
“While it is unfortunate that the actions of a few are impacting a longstanding tradition enjoyed by many in our community, discussions with our local law enforcement partners reinforced the district’s decision to cancel (homecoming), prioritizing the safety of Tishomingo and Antlers students, fans, and participants,” Moreland said in a letter published on the district’s social media.
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All homecoming festivities were canceled, including the football game and parade.
Local law enforcement officers aided in enhanced security efforts starting Thursday at the school district about 30 miles north of the Texas state line, according to the Tishomingo superintendent.
“Racism and discrimination, in any form, will never be tolerated or accepted on our campus and is not reflective of the values of our students, school or community,” Moreland said. “Our student body and staff include community members from all backgrounds, races and religions, ... (and) I want to personally express a sincere apology.”
The superintendent said the incident offers a lesson for educators on stressing “the importance of respectfulness and civility.”
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