Confederate Flag Shirts, Racial Tension Surface At SJ School

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ — A silent protest and ensuing backlash in which some students donned shirts bearing the Confederate flag have resulted in increased racial tensions at a South Jersey high school.

The administration at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) recently learned of “racial and defaming slurs” that had been posted online, and began an investigation, according to an online letter posted by GCIT Principal James H. Dundee Jr.

“The School District and the School Administration want to be very clear that there is no tolerance for prejudicial comments, remarks, racism or hatred in our school,” Dundee said in the letter. “ … All our students and staff deserve to come to school each day and feel safe and respected. We will continue to work to provide an environment and culture in our school community that is tolerant and accepting of all individuals.”

On Friday, the administration and some students met with Gloucester County NAACP President Loretta Winters to discuss the situation, Dundee said.

At that time, students from the African American Culture Club explained they had conducted a silent protest during the school’s Spirit Week, according to nj.com. They wore black in support of Black Lives Matter, and explained some members of the club “have been called the N-word to their face” and told to “bleach their skin” if they don’t like discrimination. So they donned black shirts while the rest of the school wore red, white and blue. This resulted in the online slurs and a group of students wearing Confederate flag shirts to school.

“All students found to be involved in the incident and in the events leading up to the incident, have been disciplined per the student code of conduct and several Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying reports have been filed with the district’s HIB Coordinator,” Dundee said in the letter.

It was unclear how many students were involved and facing disciplinary action.

“What is clear is that there is a problem and it is one we should be willing to address head on,” Dundee said. “I realize solutions to these types of incidents do not happen overnight, but it is critical that we are proactive and put things in place that address the issues and develop a confidence in our students and parents that we are committed to making our school a place where all our kids feel welcome.”

He said the school will continue to tackle the problem, working in coordination with the NAACP, and will keep parents updated.

“It is our intention to promote tolerance, acceptance and unity for all of our students and staff,” he concluded.

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