Upper Darby School District apologizes for KKK skit

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- The Upper Darby School District is apologizing after a controversial classroom photo involving the KKK was shared on social media.

Last year students in an Upper Darby High School history class were assigned a project to illustrate the historical impact of the 1920s.

One such skit was intended to highlight the atrocities of the Ku Klux Klan.

An old photo of students wearing white hoods and KKK started circulating online Thursday night offending many people.

Superintendent Dr. Richard Dunlap responded Friday saying the project was in poor judgment and an inappropriate activity.

He went on to say the district has been completing diversity training and will attempt to use this as a teachable moment.

The statement from the superintendent reads in full:

During the 2014-15 school year, a project was assigned in an Upper Darby High School history class with the intention of illustrating the historical impact of the 1920s. There were skits associated with this project, and a photo of a skit intended to identify and highlight the atrocities of the Ku Klux Klan circulated on social media last evening. The photo has offended many in the community, and the Upper Darby School District is deeply sorry for this. Though there was no intention to harm or offend anyone, we recognize that the project was in poor judgment and an inappropriate activity.

The school district has been completing diversity training with our school board, administration, and staff in our district through our partnership with Andrea Lawful-Sanders of CAPES. That training will continue, and we will implement a plan for addressing diversity with our students, as well.

The Upper Darby School District truly regrets this incident and appreciates the support and cooperation of our community as we attempt to use this as a teachable moment regarding cultural, historical, and racial understanding.