‘Blacks only,’ ‘whites only’ signs posted at Ohio school’s water fountains, parents say
Students at an Ohio high school have been “issued significant disciplinary actions” after they placed signs reading “Blacks only” and “whites only” over school water fountains, according to the school district and local media reports.
Administrators at Colerain High School in Cincinnati sent a letter home to parents on May 5 to address an “inappropriate and racist message” that was displayed at the school.
“The administration is taking this incident very seriously, as matters of racial insensitivity are not condoned or tolerated,” the letter says.
Parents told WXIX that a pair of water fountains at the school had been labeled “Blacks only” and “whites only.”
In the letter to parents, Colerain administrators said that the matter was under investigation and that the school had identified two students who were involved.
“Additionally, we have been made aware that the posting has been shared on social media,” the letter says. “Any student, including those who are found to have taken part in sharing the post online will also be subject to disciplinary action.”
The signs evoke the Jim Crow era in the United States when some states segregated public places and facilities, including restrooms and water fountains. Images of drinking fountains marked “white” and “colored” became symbols of the segregated South.
Segregation was outlawed by the Civil Rights Act in 1964, but some Southern localities refused to comply until many years later.
The Northwest Local School District, which oversees Colerain High School, released another statement about the incident on May 16.
“Upon investigation of the matter, we have learned that the notes posted over the water fountains were posted for a matter of 30 seconds before being removed by the students,” the statement says. “The students involved in the incident posted the signs, took photos and removed the notes before posting the photos online. Those who participated in this tasteless and hurtful act have been issued significant disciplinary actions.”
Administrators said the actions of the students do not reflect the values of the school.
“(Northwest Local School District) stands firm in creating a culture of inclusivity, respect, kindness and compassion for everyone,” the statement says. “As a school community it’s our responsibility to uphold these values and we will not tolerate any action from anyone that compromises or disrupts that culture.”
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