Laredo students' blackface, Hitler costumes prompt social media outrage

One social media post shows a United High School senior dressed in blackface as American rapper Kodak Black. One social media post shows a United High School senior dressed in blackface as American rapper Kodak Black. Photo: Twitter Photo: Twitter Image 1 of / 57 Caption Close Laredo students' blackface, Hitler costumes prompt social media outrage 1 / 57 Back to Gallery

An outcry broke out on social media this week over several Laredo high school students' choice of makeup for senior week as photos circulated online.

Social media posts show several United High School seniors dressed as the Jackson 5, American rapper Kodak Black and hip-hop artist Offset. But it was the fact that these students chose to paint their faces black as part of their senior week costumes that caused the uproar.

The photos of students posing in blackface generated a stream of comments, deeming the costumes inappropriate and racist. As a United High School alumna, Liliana Lozano said she was disappointed to see high school seniors using blackface in their costumes this year.

"I wasn't the only one to realize this act of racism, however 'harmless' the intentions may have been," Lozano told LMT.

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Lozano said she called the high school to express her concern. She said the last thing she wants is for people unfamiliar with Laredo's lack of diversity to think the ignorant acts speak for United High or the city of Laredo as a whole.

Traditionally, seniors dress in various costumes during the course of senior week. The week consists of themes that include character day, worldwide day and Hollywood day. Historically, blackface portrayals are considered offensive due to its roots in racial oppression.

The United Independent School District said corrective action was taken at the campus and students were cooperative.

"United ISD and United High School does not condone the deception of characters that may be deemed offensive or hurtful to anyone," UISD said in statement. "Campus administrators have addressed students and directed those whose costumes may be questionable to remove offensive makeup or props, or alter their costumes."

Another photo circulating on social media showed a student dressed as Adolf Hitler. The student, whose costume includes a swastika, is photographed performing the Nazi salute.

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Christopher Kim said the incident was "absolutely appalling." Kim expressed how inappropriate it was for students to dress up in blackface or as Hitler, "especially in an educational setting where you learn the historical contexts of these actions/figures."

Kim said this wasn't the first time the school district's senior week consisted of controversial costumes. He said hopefully students will learn from their mistakes and the school district will work on changing their policies.

"Senior week is a reward to our seniors for four years of hard work," UISD said in a statement. "United ISD will review its guidelines and make amendments if necessary to ensure a safe and secure environment for all students."