Isaiah Simmons saw a terrible post that happened in his hometown, and he was not going to be silent about it.
Olathe South High School is currently investigating a racist incident where a student posted a photo on social media of asking another student to homecoming.
The sign reads: “If I was Black I would be picking cotton but I’m white so I’m picking you for HOCO.”
Isaiah Simmons, a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals who grew up in Olathe, shared a post of the picture on Twitter.
“This is disgusting. Sad that people think this is funny or acceptable,” he wrote. “Very disappointing and honestly just sad to see this kind of stuff happening in my hometown. I hope this is handled in the correct manner.”
University of Kansas Student Body President Niya McAdoo, an alumn of Olathe South, shared on Twitter: “I graduated from Olathe South – they tried to tell me and another Black girl we couldn’t wear our head wraps bc it was ‘district policy’ and after we fact checked the other Olathe schools and threatened to go to the news we got an apology the next day. Not surprised.”
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KSHB obtained a letter sent to families saying that district was made aware of the “offensive post circulating on social media.”
“I felt it was important to share that we are working to thoroughly investigate the situation and contact all parties involved, including student guardians,” Olathe South Principal Dale Longenecker wrote. “At Olathe South and in the Olathe Public Schools, we are committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for ALL our students.
“The type of behavior displayed in the social media post does not meet the expectations of our core values. Any behavior like this will be immediately addressed in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.”
The mother of the female student pictures has since sent out a statement after the backlash her daughter has received.
“One Caucasian and one African-American boy were involved. It was the African-American boy who actually made the sign, already marked up and took the picture,” Windholz said. “This by no means makes it right but should shed some light on the situation.
“Caught up in the excitement of being asked to her first ever homecoming, our daughter held the sign that was given to her. It was only after actually comprehending the situation, that she realized what was happening. She blatantly said no!! By then, it was too late.
“Please know that we have diversity in our own family and believe that all lives matter. We have received many death threats and numerous people have told our daughter to kill herself.
“The response to this misunderstanding has caused much confusion and pain for many. We sincerely apologize to all who are offended.”
