In an effort to educate students about Black History, administrators at Carondelet High School in Concord, CA thought it would be a good idea to offer a special lunch menu featuring exotic items for the adventurous palate. These staples in the African-American community (not widely available outside of places such as Harlem, South Side Chicago and Compton), included fried chicken, watermelon and cornbread.
After parents of several of the students at the all-girls Catholic school realized that they would rather have their daughters learn about historical African-American figures and not perpetuate shallow racial stereotypes, the school issued an apology.
In the statement, Carondelete High School principal Nancy Libby wrote, "I'd like to apologize for the announcement and any hurt this caused students, parents or community members. Please know that at no time at Carondelet do we wish to perpetuate racial stereotypes."
Students told NBC's Cheryl Hurd that they would be fine if the school removed watermelon from the menu. Fried chicken and cornbread, on the other hand, are acceptable foods for celebrating Black History Month.
[via NBC]
