A screenshot of an alleged Turlock High School student’s Instagram post is being accused of racism, and spreading online throughout the Turlock community. The Turlock Unified School District is looking into it.
On Saturday, TurlockCityNews.com was made aware on Twitter of apparent screenshots of an Instagram post that shows two females in their THS letterman jackets and what appears to be on the Turlock High School campus. The Instagram post had the caption, “Well, why can’t black people get a PHD?? Because they can’t get passed their masters. #maga #bluelivesmatter.”
On Twitter, at least one tweet has gone “viral” in the Turlock community, and is spreading further, since Friday.
Facebook users have also been very active in reporting several different screenshots of the alleged post, while many are reporting it as racist.
TurlockCityNews.com contacted Turlock Unified School District Superintendent Dana Sallas Trevethan and Chief Communication Coordinator Marie Russell about the the THS related graphics being reported.
Both responded on Saturday night with concern.
“Site and District administration became aware of the social media posts earlier this morning,” Chief Communication Coordinator Marie Russell. “We do not condone posts of this nature and the matter will be immediately addressed Monday morning in an effort to hold those involved accountable for their actions.”
TurlockCityNews.com has waited for confirmation that this is truly a real post and that it is at least a matter of investigation for TUSD.
On Monday, TUSD released a statement that indeed this incident is being investigated.
“Turlock Unified School District is aware of the disturbing social media post that occurred over the weekend. This matter is currently under investigation. Today, we posted the following statement on our TUSD social media and website to reiterate our commitment to inclusion and disregard for acts of this nature:
Turlock Unified School District is committed to fostering an atmosphere that is characterized by mutual respect, tolerance, appreciation of diversity and a positive regard for the many different stakeholders who form our educational community. As stated in our TUSD Mission Statement, our goal is to ensure students graduate as “responsible citizens,” a task we partner with our families and community to effect. As part of our commitment to inclusion and civic goals for our students, we will not tolerate any discriminatory behavior that violates this norm and will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Safety remains at the forefront of all decision-making in TUSD and includes teaching our students how to navigate digital spaces in a responsible, appropriate manner. We will continue to work with all school sites through our Digital Citizenship initiative to educate students about the importance and responsibility of demonstrating civility both in person and online.”
TurlockCityNews.com edited out the username of the Instagram account and the user names of those who “liked” the post being accused of racism due to the persons involved being high school students and unconfirmed minors, while the origins of the viral graphic have not been confirmed as an authentic Instagram post.
Many Turlockers are already spreading this post of concern and discussing it, however, many facts need to be confirmed. As soon as TUSD releases any further information, we will report more.
