Sturgis Brown High School has forfeited its homecoming game and cancelled a parade and dance after racist and derogatory comments surfaced on social media following a homecoming tradition. School officials have also issued a formal apology.
Wednesday night pictures started surfacing of Sturgis Brown High School students smashing a spray painted car with sledge hammers. Spray painted on the car was the statement “Go back to the rez.”
School officials condemn the apparent reference to Sturgis Brown’s football homecoming opponent Pine Ridge High School.
Pete Wilson is principal of Sturgis Brown. He says the derogatory remarks towards Native Americans are disheartening to both Sturgis Brown High School and the Meade County School District.
“We are disappointed in the actions of our students. By no means do we support the actions or behaviors of what happened last night," Wilson says. "I want to extend my apology to the Pine Ridge School, community, families, as well as all schools in the state of South Dakota.”
Wilson says some pictures were taken on a school lot, but that the event took place elsewhere. He says the district is taking steps to educate students about native culture going forward.
“We live in a diverse state. There are many Native Americans in many schools. We need to do a better job, not only in our school, but the state of South Dakota to encourage more cultural awareness," Wilson says. "One of our goals moving forward is cultural awareness from a K – 12 standpoint.”
Wilson says this was not a school sponsored event.
School officials have cancelled the upcoming homecoming parade. The Rapid City Journal reports that the game has been moved up to 4 pm from 6 pm. However, school officials are still considering whether the game should take place.