School board member wears blackface, holds ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign

A member of the Blevins School Board has sparked controversy after being pictured wearing blackface.

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

A member of the Blevins School Board has sparked controversy after being pictured wearing blackface.

The board member has since been identified as Ted Bonner, and Superintendent Billy Lee said that there is no law that would call for Bonner’s removal. What’s more, Lee said, Bonner has since apologized for the image.

“This district is deeply committed to creating and maintaining a strong and healthy school culture free of bullying, and any form of discrimination. I have no personal knowledge of any actions by district staff or elected officials. Please rest assured that if it comes to my attention that any staff member has behaved in a way inconsistent with this district’s values and policy of anti-discrimination, a swift investigation and response would be forthcoming,” Lee said in a statement.

However, many parents and other members of the community are calling for Bonner’s removal nonetheless.

“Number one, it’s appalling,” said parent Faye Smith. “Number two, it’s inappropriate for a school board member to disrespect students that he’s over, who are black.”

The picture showed Bonner in blackface in front of a sign reading “Blak Lives Matters.”

“I don’t appreciate the fact that you’re mocking the thing that I’m teaching my boys is something to be proud of,” said Smith. “Being a black man, and then you do this to make them feel like ‘well you’re a joke’.”

 

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