VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — The Visalia Unified School District issued an updated statement regarding a photo that has sparked a nationwide backlash on social media.
The image shows a group of about 10 Redwood High School seniors wearing shirts with letters and numbers that spell out what the district is calling a “hateful homophobic slur.”
In a statement this afternoon, Visalia Unified School District Superintendent Kirk Shrum said the district is continuing to investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with district board policy:
“This week, student leaders are being provided opportunities to engage in healthy and productive dialogue with their peers and staff about belonging and respect. As a district, we will convene a roundtable with community leaders who support students in modeling civility and engaging in positive discourse. Together, we will meet this moment with steadfast resolve to restore and strengthen our community. While we may hold differing views, we can all agree that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
The message to parents went on to say Redwood High School Administrators are meeting with students to address hate speech, civility and the responsibility that comes with being a member of the Visalia schools community.
The district has still not specified the punishment for the students involved but says they could be facing serious punishment, including suspension.
Full statement: https://www.facebook.com/VisaliaUSD/posts/939418415263399?ref=embed_post
