Mock Slave Auction Skit by Barrington High Students Outrages Some at Weekend Convention

BARRINGTON, IL - Barrington High School officials are apologizing after a skit that depicted a slave auction offended some attending a convention on Greek and Roman culture over the weekend, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The skit was performed at the Illinois Junior Classical Convention in Itasca. The skit showed a student who depicted a slave in chains being sold, according to the article.

“Their depiction of slavery as it was practiced by ancient Greeks and Romans unintentionally but understandably evoked strong emotions among a diverse audience,” according to a post on the Barrington High School Facebook page. “We agree with the concern and are reviewing the incident with students and staff who were involved.”

Two Barrington High School students performed the skit Friday. One parent at the competition told NBC Chicago she became enraged when she saw the mock slave auction, which included one of the students with a chain around his neck and ended with an auction winner.

“Watching a live slave auction, complete with chains, it was a bit much. It was overwhelming,“ Kenwood Academy parent Danielle McDaniels told NBC Chicago.

Some parents from Barrington High shared McDaniels’ concerns and sounded off on the Barrington High School Facebook page. Others said the complaints were blown out of proportion.

“Can’t believe that the school district is apologizing for this. The depiction was of a Roman slave auction and there was nothing racist about it. The kids were there to learn about historical events not to hide the facts for fear of causing offense,” one parent wrote on the Barrington High School Facebook page.