Story at a glance
- Pictures of three college professors wearing racially insensitive costumes prompted a petition for their removal.
- The petition reportedly has more than 3,000 signatures.
Three professors affiliated with the University of South Alabama have been suspended following photos of each of the three wearing racially offensive costumes.
Several verified photos made rounds online, from a campus event in 2014, with one wearing a Confederate soldiers’ uniform, one holding a noose and one holding a whip. It catalyzed a petition created by university students calling for their removal.
University of South Alabama suspends professors over racist’ photos
https://t.co/kfWT5VW8QV— Caroline Ramsey-Hamilton (@RiskAlert) March 5, 2021
The professors include Bob Wood, Alex Sharland and Teresa Weldy, CNN reports.
University President Tony Waldrop issued a statement apologizing for a lack of action when the pictures were first brought to light in 2020.
“The actions taken in response to these pictures, which were brought to the attention of University leadership in 2020, should have been stronger and broader, and should have more clearly demonstrated our unwavering commitment to a safe and welcoming environment for every member of our community,” he said in a statement last week. “We acknowledge that, in our response to this incident, we failed in our obligations and responsibilities to our students, our employees and our community. For this, we are deeply sorry to everyone who is rightfully hurt and offended by these images.”
An independent investigation into the situation is reportedly underway.
One of the professors, Wood, issued his own statement, acknowledging that his costume was racially insensitive.
He claims that the costume was a rental and that it was an “ill-conceived” idea.
“I sincerely apologize and am sorry for doing so and ask for forgiveness for this error in judgment,” he reportedly said. “I regret the decision, and I understand the hurtful nature of these symbols, which do not reflect my beliefs. Working at the University of South Alabama, guiding students through their academic careers, and having a positive impact on them as they prepare for their next steps in life has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life.”
Sharland apologized as well, saying he did not intend to cause offense.
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