A handful of Minnesota high school students are facing disciplinary action because of Ku Klux Klan-like costumes that they donned during a school fundraiser last week, WCCO reports.
At least seven students at Mound Westonka High School were said to have worn outfits resembling KKK robes at a dodgeball event held at the school Wednesday. The students all had white scarves tied over their heads in a way that caused the tops to point up, while some also wore scarves tied around their faces. One photo seen on social media was captioned “Grand wizard,” which is the title of leaders in the white supremacist group.
“I turned around, and the team behind me looked like they came in with a Ku Klux Klan uniform, or an interpretation of it,” senior Ryan Anderson, who was at the game, told the news station. “It was something, to say the least.”
WCCO reports that several students and parents thought the outfits went too far but also believed that the students did not mean to offend.
The school district eventually released a statement on the matter, acknowledging that an investigation was launched and that appropriate action was taken, although it did not specify what action that was:
On Wednesday night Jan. 27, Westonka Schools administration received a report that a small group of students who had participated in a fundraising event at Mound Westonka High School had been involved in offensive conduct. Staff and administrators did not witness nor receive any reports of behavior believed to be inappropriate during the event. Upon receiving allegations of misconduct later that night, school and district administration promptly launched an investigation.
During the investigation, it was determined that actions taken by some students, both on and off campus, were in violation of district policy, and appropriate action was taken in accordance with district policy. Investigation into possible misconduct by other students is ongoing.
Westonka Schools is deeply committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment that respects diversity in all forms and will continue to work with families to ensure the wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors.
Read more at WCCO.