An Oklahoma school district canceled a high school's homecoming activities after students went viral for displaying a racial slur.
In a photo widely circulated on social media, six Tishomingo High School boys appeared to spell out the word "n****r" with Scrabble tiles attached to their shirts.
Tishomingo Public Schools superintendent Brandon Moreland described the students' actions as an "extremely poor decision" in an apology issued on Thursday (September 19), per The Oklahoman.
"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, which is one of many aspects that makes our campus exceptional."
Tishomingo Public Schools also announced Thursday that its homecoming activities, including a parade and football game scheduled for Friday (September 20) were canceled.
"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 reinforce the district's decision to cancel, prioritizing the safety of Tishomingo and Antlers students, fans, and participants," the announcement read.
Social media users identified the six students involved in the viral photo as football players. The photo was taken during the school's spirit week when students were encouraged to wear black to receive a random Scrabble tile to attach to themselves.
Moreland said school administration took immediate disciplinary action following the incident.
"I hope this swift response will underscore our district's commitment to maintain a campus environment that is inclusive, respectful, and safe for all," the superintendent said.
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