A photo of two Hunterdon Central Regional High School students apparently mocking the death of George Floyd is circulating on social media.
NJ.com reports that the photo shows one student wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat and a police badge while kneeling on the neck of the other student, who is wearing an ape mask.
A spokesperson for the school district says that the photo was first posted online in August and did not take place on school grounds.
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moore sent a letter on parents on Aug. 12 around when the incident occurred.
“I write to share my utter disgust and deepest concern over a recent racist post on social media, allegedly perpetrated by students of our school,” Moore wrote.
The letter continued, “There is a right to free speech for all, and this is sacred in our nation. However, schools are duty-bound, through law and conscience, to fight racism wherever it appears. I, as your superintendent, am duty-bound, through my commitment to and love for our students and community, to declare it abhorrent and to say that it has no place here.”
The students were not charged with any crimes and it was unknown if they faced any disciplinary action at school.