A racist incident occurred in the New Hartford Central School District in New York when a poster featuring LeBron James, created by a student in a junior high art class, was displayed at the New Hartford Festival of the Arts. The poster depicted a fictional cereal box for “Monkey Premium Cereal,” with the tagline “Eat Monkeys, Jump Like Monkeys!” and a picture of LeBron James dunking with the caption “Jump like LeBron James.” The display immediately went viral, causing outrage online.
Superintendent of Schools Cosimo Tangorra Jr. expressed disappointment that the racist artwork was not only created but also allowed to be displayed at the arts show. He acknowledged that the incident may have made some students, families, staff, and community members feel unsafe, unaccepted, or unwelcome. Tangorra emphasized the importance of creating a supportive learning environment where everyone feels respected, included, and safe, and acknowledged that the district had fallen short of that goal. He promised to take action to ensure that all students and their families feel valued in the school community.
The student who created the racist poster, as well as the staff members who oversaw its creation and display at the art show, were contacted and investigated in response to the incident. While LeBron James has not commented on the incident, the community and school district have been working towards addressing the issue and educating the school community on the importance of respect, inclusion, and safety for all students and their families. The incident has sparked discussions and dialogues within the school district and the wider community about the impact of racism and the need to take concrete actions to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The incident has shed light on the prevalence of racism and discrimination in schools and communities across the country. It serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of education and society. As the district continues to address the fallout from the incident, it is crucial for students, families, staff, and community members to come together to foster a culture of respect, understanding, and acceptance for all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. By working together, the district can build a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of schools in addressing issues of racism and discrimination. It highlights the need for schools to implement policies and programs that promote equity and diversity, and provide education and training on addressing issues of bias, prejudice, and discrimination. By taking proactive measures to address racism and discrimination, schools can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and community members. It is essential for schools and communities to work together to address systemic issues of racism and discrimination and create a more just and equitable society for all individuals.
In conclusion, the racist incident involving the LeBron James poster in the New Hartford Central School District serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing issues of racism and discrimination in schools and communities. It highlights the need for increased education, dialogue, and action to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where everyone feels respected and valued. By working together to address issues of racism and discrimination, schools can promote equity and diversity and create a more welcoming environment for all individuals. It is essential for schools and communities to come together to address systemic issues of racism and discrimination and create a more just and equitable society for all.
