JCPS responds to racially insensitive photo posted by students

On Tuesday, the Jefferson City Public School system responded to a racially sensitive photo that was posted by students on social media.

Director of School-Community Relations, Amy Berendzen, said the school system is disappointed by the racially insensitive photo taken over the weekend by three of the students.

Berendzen said the incident did not happen on the school grounds or during a school activity but the administration is taking this matter seriously and working to address the situation.

Berendzen said disciplinary actions have been taken and it has become a teachable lesson on the implications of social media.

“JCPS is committed to ongoing discussions about diversity, differences and cultural sensitivity,” Berendzen said.

You can read the entire statement from JCPS below:

“JCPS is disappointed by a racially insensitive photo taken (and posted to social media) over the weekend by three of our students. While this incident did not occur on school grounds or during a school activity, our administration takes these matters serious and are working to address the situation.

While disciplinary measures are being taken, we also recognize that this incident provided a teachable moment relative to the implications of social media. And, like many school districts across the country, we continue our commitment to ongoing discussions about diversity, differences and cultural sensitivity. We will continue to provide and ensure a positive learning environment for all students.”