District posts apology for offensive cheerleader banner

GREENFIELD, Highland County — UPDATE @ 5:45 p.m. (Oct. 30)

Greenfield schools posted an apology on the district’s website regarding the offensive banner made by cheerleaders for the McClain High School game against Hillsboro High School.

Below is the text of the statement, titled a “sincere apology,” though it was not clear when it was posted.

“At the final varsity football game of the year, a horrific mistake was made. A sign was created out of ignorance, not hate. There are no words to express our deepest sympathy to those of Native American and African American descent. We also owe a sincere apology to the communities, families and students of Hillsboro, Greenfield, and beyond. We are currently completing an internal investigation of how this deplorable situation arose. We will take appropriate steps once we have all of the necessary information. By partnering with local organizations, McClain High School will immediately use this moment to further educate our students on the atrocities faced by both the Native American and African American cultures.”

FIRST REPORT

Parents of students at McClain High School in Greenfield are seeking answers from school administrators after cheerleaders displayed what parents describe as a racially charged sign during a Friday night football game.

The breakaway banner held by the McClain cheerleaders on the field during their home game against the Hillsboro Indians read, “Hey Indians, Get Ready for A Trail of TEARS Part 2.”

Late Friday, the Highland County school issued an apology on their Facebook page regarding the sign only to remove it shortly thereafter. Parents claim the apologetic post was removed after they posted comments asking if faculty members had to approve banners or signs before their use on the field.

Two parents told this news organization shortly after the apology was deleted they were blocked from posting to the school’s Facebook page altogether.