Morris School District Apologizes For "Insensitive" Concert Program

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morris School District Officials have apologized and called a special meeting to discuss the cover artwork for Frelinghuysen Middle School's spring concert, which they called "insensitive and inappropriate," according to media reports.

District Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast and school Principal Joe Uglialoro sent a letter to parents announcing a community meeting Thursday to discuss the program. The issue centers on a the depiction of an African-American student in a cartoon drawing of a school choir. (You can see a copy of the program below.)

"On the evening of May 31st we held a chorus concert at Frelinghuysen Middle School. Regretfully, the image that appeared on the cover of the concert program was insensitive and inappropriate. On behalf of the school and the district we deeply apologize for this inexcusable mistake and the hurt and anger it has caused," the letter to parents said, according to the Daily Record.

Officials called the program "inconsistent with our most cherished values and our most enduring aspirations," according to MorristownGreen.

Pendergrast did not return Patch's request for comment.

One commenter suggested that the program was the result of a bad print job, attaching what appears to be a full-color version of the image. Patch has not been able to confirm this is the full color version of the photo.

Image: Shutterstock

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