OPRF High School To Reprint Yearbooks Over Racist Hand Gesture

OAK PARK, IL — Oak Park and River Forest High School administrators have decided to reprint the school's yearbook after photos were added that showed students making a hand gesture that's used by far-right racist groups. In a statement to students, families and staff, OPRF Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams said the yearbook had not been distributed before the images were discovered.

"[The yearbook] contains photos of students making a hand gesture that has different meanings. In some cases it’s in what is known as the circle game," Pruitt-Adams' statement read. "However, the gesture has more recently become associated with white nationalism. Regardless of intent, the potential negative impact of this gesture has led us to decide that we cannot distribute the yearbook as is."

The gesture, which is an upside-down "okay" symbol, was found in 18 photos in the yearbook. It will cost more than $50,000 to reprint the book.

"We are looking at alternative options, and in the coming days we will share further details about distribution plans,"Pruitt-Adams said. "In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and support as we work through this situation."

New copies of the 2018-19 yearbook, titled “Tabula”, will take up to four weeks to reprint.

The gesture has caused controversy across the country. Earlier this month, a fan was banned from Wrigley Field after making the gesture behind a black reporter who was on camera.