14 DAY TRIAL // A class presentation at the performing arts Las Vegas Academy high school is sparking controversy, as a teacher allowed students to bring KKK robes to class.
Two students held a demonstration in a US history class, attempting to present information on the Klux era. However, one of them stepped outside of the classroom in the same getup.
A photo of him wearing a white robe and hood was quickly snapped, and ended up online, Las Vegas Sun reports.
The school has since reprimanded the teacher who allowed the project to be carried through. His identity has not been disclosed, and school officials inform that no other disciplinary steps will be taken in his case.
“While the presentation was designed to highlight the atrocities committed by the Klan, and there was no intention to harm or offend on the part of the students, it was in poor judgment and inappropriate for students to go to such lengths to convey their message,” Principal Scott Walker told parents in a written message.
Student aide Cody Cris, present during the KKK demonstration, notes that the student was reckless in wearing the costume outside of class.
“A student made an unfortunate decision (to wear his KKK costume outside of class) and the teacher should not be held responsible for it,” he describes.
Chief communications officer for the district, Amanda Fulkerson, indicates that the student has been offered guidance, the significance of his gesture being explained to him.
“The student in this case has been counseled and the teacher has been reminded of the policy in place to notify the principal of potentially controversial lessons,” she states.
A similar case popped up last week, as a teacher faced backlash and possible termination when her students decided to take duct tape and place it over their mouths, as a joke.
She snapped a photo of the scene, which she found humorous, and posted it on Facebook, creating concerns among parents.