A racist LeBron James poster has sparked an investigation in the New Hartford Central School District in New York. The offensive poster, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers star, was created by a student in a junior high art class and was displayed at the New Hartford Festival of the Arts.
The poster was intended to be a part of a fictional cereal box for “Monkey Premium Cereal.”
It included the tagline, “Eat monkeys, jump like monkeys!” and featured a picture of LeBron James dunking with the caption, “Jump like LeBron James.” The display gained attention when photos of it went viral online.
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The superintendent of schools, Cosimo Tangorra Jr., expressed his disappointment in a letter to the community, stating, “It is disheartening that racist work was not only created but then overlooked and allowed to be displayed.”
He acknowledged the impact this incident may have on students, families, staff, and community members, emphasizing the need for a supportive learning environment where everyone feels respected and included.
The school district immediately launched an investigation, reaching out to the student responsible for the poster, as well as the staff members who oversaw its creation and display at the art show.
The incident has raised concerns about the district’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Superintendent Tangorra acknowledged that the district had fallen short of its goal and emphasized the need for improvement. He stated, “We must do better,” and outlined the steps the district will take to address the issue:
- Increased Education: The district will focus on educating students, staff, and the entire school community about the importance of diversity, inclusion, and respect. This will include workshops, training programs, and discussions on racial sensitivity.
- Dialogue: Open and honest conversations will be encouraged to foster understanding and empathy. Students will have the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives, while the district will actively listen and address concerns.
- Action: Tangorra emphasized the need for concrete actions to create a more inclusive environment. The district will implement policies and procedures that promote diversity and equality, ensuring that incidents like this are prevented in the future.
The superintendent’s letter also highlighted the importance of community involvement in this process. He called for support from parents, guardians, and community members to join in the efforts to create a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
LeBron James, the basketball superstar featured in the offensive poster, has not commented on the incident. As a prominent figure in sports and an advocate for social justice, James has been vocal about combating racism and inequality.
While he may choose not to address this specific incident, his actions and statements in the past reflect his commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality.
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