A New York high school was forced to cancel production of its senior play after a social justice group slammed leaders for selecting a white teen to play the character of a person of color.

In a lengthy letter shared online and signed by 27 members of Student United Ithaca, the group expressed their concerns over Ithaca High School's lack of demographic inclusion for 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' spring musical.

The activists made a point to explain that the teen actress chosen to play the role of Esmerelda in the 1996 Disney drama was not who they had an issue with - but that she was chosen to play the role of the character who is a Roma, part of an oppressed class of people.

'We want to stress that the talented young woman who was cast in this role is a stellar actor, singer, and dancer. She has worked hard to hone her craft and the IHS stage, or any stage, would be lucky to have her,' the letter read.

In a letter shared online and signed by 27 members of Student United Ithaca (some members pictured above) the group expressed concerns over the play's lack of demographic inclusion for 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' spring musical

The senior play was initially set to take place at Ithaca High School (shown) on April 13-15

Above are suggestions that were written to the district from members of the activist group Students United Ithaca

'(Still), she is the wrong choice for this role... Esmerelda is accurately depicted in the Disney musical, and is written for, a young woman of color.

'It is her oppression, and that of her people, which allows her to better understand the perspective of the Hunchback and to ultimately advocate for him.'

The letter went on to say that the decision is both one of cultural appropriation and whitewashing.

The letter wrote of the character (pictured in the 1996 Disney drama): 'Esmerelda is accurately depicted in the Disney musical, and is written for, a young woman of color. Esmerelda is a Roma, part of an oppressed class of people'

The message read further: '(Esmerelda) sings a song in which she calls to the heavens, asking God to save her people. "God Save My People, hungry at birth, show them the Mercy, they don’t find on Earth."'

Director of fine and performing arts at the Ithaca City School District David Brown is shown

Then, 'she cries out for justice... in the movie, she raises her fist in the air and yells "Justice!" and explains that the Hunchback is being oppressed, just like her people.'

Since the letter was published last month and went viral, the school district announced plans to axe the performance altogether.

Ithaca High said in a public statement they are in the process of putting together another project.

Meanwhile, Student United Ithaca concluded in the note: 'We thank you for your time.

'As you teach us in school, there is no harm in making a mistake unless you don’t own up to it and learn from it. We learned this lesson from you. It’s an important one.'