Black Puppet Found Hanging From String In Clark HS Raises Racism Concerns

CLARK, NJ — A black puppet found hanging by string in a Clark High School classroom this weekend has caused an uproar over racism.

The puppet was found by the Plainfield Girl’sBasketball Team during a game on Saturday, Jan. 7 at Arthur L Johnson High School in Clark.

"So this is what our girls basketball team from plainfield high school had to see in the classroom where they was getting changed for the game. This was deliberately done and an act of racism at Arthur L Johnson in CLark NJ share and get this out. And FYI our coach said there was other dolls/muppets in the room but this particular one had a string around the neck with a basketball on top so I wouldn't call this an indirect message this is a clear message of hate and racism!!!!" a Plainfield resident posted on Facebook.

Clark Superintendent of Schools Edward Grande released a statement on the situation:

"We have been made aware that a picture taken by the coach or a member of the Plainfield Girl’s Basketball Team has been posted on social media of a puppet that was reportedly posed in a classroom located in the Clark Public Schools. The Clark Board Education and the Clark Community does not condone any demonstrations of intolerance. The Board will promptly and thoroughly investigate this matter to determine what occurred following the basketball game on January 7th and will take remedial action as necessary. It is premature to make any further statements until such time as the investigation is completed. Good sportsmanship and respect of fellow and opponent teammates has and will always continue to be an integral part of Crusader Athletics," Grande stated.

A woman who claims to be the mother of a Clark high school student said the school project was misinterpreted — it was supposed to be a puppet that serves as a tribute to basketball star LeBron James, according to nj.com.

The woman wished to remain anonymous for her son's privacy claimed the puppet her son crafted was not completed and he was in the process of sewing a basketball to the hand, according to nj.com.

(Image via Frerieke from The Hague, The Netherlands)

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