A South Carolina elementary school is encountering criticism following the appearance of staff members in “Border Patrol” T-shirts on the district’s Facebook page.
According to a letter issued by Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley, the Royall Elementary School staff depicted in the photographs have either been dismissed or placed on administrative leave.
Florence 1 Schools shared the photos, which have since been removed, showing two staff members in gray “Border Patrol” T-shirts during a celebration for Hispanic heritage that took place on Wednesday.
Another image on the school’s social media included staff dressed in sombreros and other cultural attire, positioned in front of a brick backdrop labeled with a “Royall Cantina” sign.
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Following a “disrespectful” social media post from Royall Elementary School, which has since been removed, several staff members are no longer with the school, and changes in school leadership have occurred, per a report from district officials. (WPDE)
Superintendent O’Malley addressed the contentious image and confirmed that an investigation into the matter was in progress.
“I was made aware of an inappropriate social media post on one of our school’s Facebook pages. The content and behavior of the involved staff is unacceptable and does not reflect our school, its students and staff, or our district as a whole,” O’Malley stated.
“Today this matter has been thoroughly investigated and those responsible for this incident have faced consequences for their actions. There is no room for such behavior in our schools, and I will not accept it in our district.” — Dr. Richard O’Malley, Superintendent, Florence 1 Schools
O’Malley also sent a letter to all parents in the district, which was shared with Fox News Digital.
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An undisclosed number of employees from Royall Elementary have been terminated or placed on administrative leave following an “inappropriate” image shared during a Hispanic heritage celebration, Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Richard O’Malley noted on Friday. (WPDE)
“Dear Royall Parents and Guardians, you may be aware that an inappropriate incident occurred Wednesday morning during a Professional Development session at Royall, leading up to the first day of school. Pictures from this event were subsequently posted to the school’s Facebook page. Due to the serious nature of this incident, several employees are either no longer part of the district or have been put on administrative leave by the district’s administration. As superintendent, I will not permit such behavior in our schools,” the letter details.
O’Malley also mentioned that the district’s assistant superintendent for elementary education and its STEM director would act as “interim administrators.”
An image previously on the school’s social media depicted staff members wearing sombreros and other clothing. (WPDE)
Royall Elementary School released a statement recognizing the photos and expressing regret for the “insensitivity” displayed.
“We regret to acknowledge that a picture shared on our Facebook page yesterday reflected an insensitivity towards the challenges our Hispanic community currently faces. At Royall, we pride ourselves on our established tradition of supporting every student who enters our doors. Our staff is wholly committed to celebrating the diversity of our families and ensuring that each student at Royall is successful, valued, and recognized for their unique culture and abilities. We apologize for our insensitivity and look forward to building relationships as we start a new school year.” — Royall Elementary School
Comments have been disabled on the school’s apology post on Facebook.
