Photo Of Students In Blackface Prompts Police Investigation

BETHESDA, MD — Police are investigating after two Walt Whitman High School students posted a picture of themselves in blackface and used the n-word to describe the image, according to an email the principal sent to families Monday evening. The picture was reportedly posted over the weekend via a private social media account and has been viewed by many students.

In a letter obtained by WJLA, school principal Dr. Robby Dodd condemned the students' actions. Montgomery County Police are now investigating the incident.

"I want to emphasize as strongly as possible that this type of behavior will not be tolerated at Walt Whitman High School," Dodd said. "Students who were involved will receive significant consequences under the Montgomery County Public Schools Code of Conduct. In addition, this event has been reported by the police as hate-bias incident."

In response to the incident, Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro wrote a letter to residents. Navarro said she stands with the school administration in holding those accountable.

"The Montgomery County Council is deeply disappointed to learn that two students at Walt Whitman High School recently engaged in racist behavior by posting an online image of themselves in blackface and using a racial slur while describing the picture," Navarro wrote. "This incident is severely disturbing and culturally insensitive, and especially sad as it occurs at a time when residents of Montgomery County are engaging in conversations about racial equity and social justice. These actions are not representative of the high expectations we have for all of our students who attend MCPS, and we stand with the school administration in holding those accountable for these offensive actions."

To combat racist behavior at school, Dodd said he would meet with school administrators on Tuesday to discuss the incident.

"Tomorrow, I am meeting with Dr. Brian Scriven, Director of School Support and Improvement, and Mr. Troy Boddy, Director of the Equity Initiatives Unit in MCPS, to further discuss incidents of racial intolerance, review the perception data we have gathered from students and parents this school year, and ultimately develop a plan that will directly address racism, organizational inequities, and cultural proficiency," Dodd said Monday.