Royall Elementary School in South Carolina is under scrutiny after photos of staff wearing “Border Patrol” T-shirts appeared on the district’s Facebook page. The removed images were posted during a Hispanic heritage celebration held on Wednesday.
The staff involved have faced the consequences, with some being terminated or placed on administrative leave, as stated in a letter from Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Dr Richard O’Malley.
SHOCKING: Royall Elementary School in South Carolina posted photos to Facebook of teachers wearing shirts reading ‘U.S. Border Patrol.’ The teachers were participating in a display meant to represent Mexico.
The photos were removed after one mom called them ‘insensitive.’ pic.twitter.com/STG4EU1Von
— Crisis in the Classroom (@CITClassroom) August 1, 2024
In addition to the T-shirt photos, another image showed staff in sombreros and traditional attire, standing by a “Royall Cantina” sign on a red brick wall.
Dr. O’Malley addressed the “Border Patrol” incident, confirming an investigation. “I was informed of an inappropriate post on one of our school’s Facebook accounts. The actions and the post do not reflect the values of our school, its students and staff, or our district,” he wrote.
Parents were also notified through a letter shared with Fox News Digital. “Dear Royall Parents and Guardians, An inappropriate event occurred on Wednesday during a Professional Development day, before the start of school. Following this, pictures were posted on the school’s Facebook page. Due to the seriousness of this incident, several employees are no longer with the district or have been placed on leave. As superintendent, such conduct will not be tolerated,” the letter read about Border Patrol.
Additionally, the district’s assistant superintendent of elementary education and STEM director will temporarily act as administrators.
Royall Elementary School also released a statement above “Border Patrol”, apologising for the “insensitivity” of the images. Comments on the apology post on Facebook have been disabled.