Utah High School Students Face Backlash for Wearing Blackface to Football Game

Two white students at Pine View High School in Utah are facing backlash after showing up to a school football game in blackface. The students, who were participating in a school spirit event with the theme of “blackout,” donned black t-shirts, shorts, ski-masks, and painted their faces black.

The incident sparked outrage among parents, with one Black parent, Edward Wright, expressing his disappointment in the lack of immediate consequences and education provided to the students. Wright emphasized the importance of addressing racism and educating young individuals on the significance of their actions.

The picture of the students in blackface, posing with the school’s cheerleading team, was posted on the school website but has since been taken down. The Salt Lake City NAACP branch called for the school district to use this incident as an opportunity to educate students and staff about racism and the history of blackface.

In response, the Weber County school district acknowledged the need for improvement in creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. They emphasized their commitment to ongoing efforts to address issues of racism and ensure that every student feels valued and respected.

This incident serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in promoting racial sensitivity and understanding. As the NAACP stated, education and awareness are crucial in combating racism and fostering a more inclusive community.