Chaska High School postpones yearbook distribution due to blackface photo
CHASKA, Minn. (FOX 9) - Chaska High School postponed the distribution of its yearbook for the 2018-19 school year after discovering a photo of a student in blackface, according to the school district.
In a letter sent to parents Wednesday, assistant principal Jim Swearingen said a photo of the cheering section at the school’s annual football game against Chanhassen High School included one student in blackface. School officials did not discover the photo until after the yearbook went to print, but the school is now taking steps to remove the page containing the photo before distributing the yearbooks to students.
Swearingen said they have talked about the incident, as well as the racist history behind wearing blackface, as a school community.
In a statement, Superintendent Clint Christopher acknowledged there is still work to be done at schools in the district.
“These incidents do not and will not define us, and we are investing in long-term, system-wide work to change the culture so that every person who is a part of our school community feels safe, welcome, included and respected,” Christopher said.
The school plans to distribute the yearbook to seniors on Thursday and to the rest of the students by June 4.
Full statement from Eastern Carver County Schools Superintendent