Racist Signs Found At Florida High School

Investigations are underway to find those culpable for pasting racist signs, “Whites only” and “Colored” above the First Coast High school’s water fountains.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – School leaders are investigating after two racist signs, one reading “colored” and one reading “whites only,” were posted above two water fountains at First Coast High School, Action News Jax reported.

A picture of the racist signs was posted on social media and shared with Action News Jax on Thursday evening.
Action News Jax reached out to Duval County Public Schools to get more information.

Duval County school superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti provided Action News Jax a statement on Friday, saying that the signs placed on top of the fountains are unacceptable and not tolerated by DCPS.

“We are investigating the matter to determine who is behind the action to provide the appropriate discipline and counseling,” Dr. Vitti said.
DCPS spokesperson Laureen Ricks sent Action News Jax the following statement on Thursday night:

“School is investigating, but it appears to be a prank. Staff immediately removed the notes once it was brought to their attention.“

“The signs placed on top of the fountains are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our school district,” Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Duval County Public Schools Superintendent, told LawNewz.com in a statement. “We are investigating the matter to determine who is behind the action to provide the appropriate discipline and counseling.”

The racist signs clearly evoke segregation policies formerly common in the United States. Pictures of the signs started circulating on social media, stoking outrage.

The racist signs — which hearken back to the days of segregation — are a part of the wave of racist and nativist harassment, bullying and threats that have rocked the nation since the election of Donald Trump as president on Tuesday, Raw Story states.

Someone posted signs saying “colored” & “whites only” above water fountains at #Florida high school https://t.co/6LI4v7Hhx1 via @Name_u_know

— Craig Pittman (@craigtimes) November 11, 2016

School officials immediately took the signs down and are trying to find out who put them there.

“Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of free and buoyant. Education and free discussion are the antidotes of both,” Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson’s quote indeed summarizes the issue of racism in America and steps that can be taken to uproot it. Racism in any form is highly unacceptable and must be greeted with stern disapproval. Moreover, the worst part of racial practices is when it is unleashed on our children. What kind of future are we preparing our kids for? Are we passing on to them the very thing that has destroyed us so much? This is the reason I particularly frown at racism in our schools. Racism is the worst thing you can teach a child. It is just like preparing a man for self destruction. I hope the investigations will soon point out those liable of the offense so that necessary punitive actions can be taken against them. Racism isn’t normal! Pasting racist signs in school is even the worst thing to do. We need to continue fighting for its total abolishment from our society.