Pine-Richland officials taking 'appropriate next steps' to address racist Homecoming sign

Pine-Richland School District officials say that they are taking the “appropriate next steps” to address a picture of a high school student holding a racist sign.

In a Snapchat screenshot making rounds on social media, a high school boy holds a Homecoming promposal sign that reads, “If I was black I would be picking cotton, but I’m white so I’m picking you for Homecoming?!” A high school girl stands next to the boy holding a bouquet of flowers and making an obscene hand gesture.

The photo’s caption says, “This is wild.”

In a statement to Pine-Richland students, staff and parents, Superintendent Brian Miller called the language on the sign “racist,” “highly offensive” and “completely inappropriate.” He added that the district “is opposed to racism in any form.”

“We stand with our black and brown families,” Miller’s statement reads. “It is our goal to strengthen a positive culture for every student at Pine-Richland.”

The high school will hold its Homecoming dance on Sept. 17.