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HATTIESBURG — Ray Coleman was shocked Monday on learning his stepson's Black History Month calendar had declared Thursday <span style="font-weight: bold">Cotton Picking Day at Lillie Burney Elementary and invited students to dress as slaves.</span>
"I just didn't think it was appropriate," said Coleman, 26, who found the events calendar among his stepson's homework papers. "The school does a great job academically, but I think this was a mistake."
The themed day was canceled Tuesday as part of the school's Black History dress week after Coleman met with Superintendent Annie Wimbish. It was replaced with Career Day.
Students can pay a small fee this week to leave school uniforms at home and dress up for a daily theme related to Black History Month. Themes are decided by the school's Black History Committee composed of the school's teachers.
The amount of the per-student fee was unknown. In the past, proceeds from fees go to charity or school fundraisers, said Jas N Smith, a district spokesperson.
Deborah Smith, principal at predominately black Lillie Burney Elementary School, could not be reached for comment.
Coleman said he told Wimbish it was inappropriate to name the event Cotton Picking Day and to invite students to dress as slaves or in overalls.
"<span style="font-weight: bold">I believe it's something that should be taught in history, but it shouldn't be relived</span>," he said. "I think they should look at the positive aspects to show students what they can achieve."
Wimbish said she contacted Smith, who then discussed Coleman's concerns with the Black History Committee before calling off Cotton Picking Day.
"I think the committee had the right heart when considering this and certainly had no negative intentions, because this is part of our history," Wimbish said.
"Different people have different perceptions, so I don't know if it would have been offensive. But we certainly want to work with our parents and listen to their concerns."
Ann Chapman, president of the school board for the Hattiesburg Public School District, said she was glad Coleman expressed his concerns.
"Sometimes everything we do may not be politically correct, but we want to do whatever is necessary to work with our parents and children," she said. "I think it's always a good idea to make parents aware so they can share their concerns with us in case we need to revisit something."
Coleman said although slavery is a part of history, he was glad school officials canceled Cotton Picking Day.
"I'm glad they decided to do something else <span style="font-weight: bold">that will portray African-American history more positively," </span>
he said.
"I just didn't think it was appropriate," said Coleman, 26, who found the events calendar among his stepson's homework papers. "The school does a great job academically, but I think this was a mistake."
The themed day was canceled Tuesday as part of the school's Black History dress week after Coleman met with Superintendent Annie Wimbish. It was replaced with Career Day.
Students can pay a small fee this week to leave school uniforms at home and dress up for a daily theme related to Black History Month. Themes are decided by the school's Black History Committee composed of the school's teachers.
The amount of the per-student fee was unknown. In the past, proceeds from fees go to charity or school fundraisers, said Jas N Smith, a district spokesperson.
Deborah Smith, principal at predominately black Lillie Burney Elementary School, could not be reached for comment.
Coleman said he told Wimbish it was inappropriate to name the event Cotton Picking Day and to invite students to dress as slaves or in overalls.
"<span style="font-weight: bold">I believe it's something that should be taught in history, but it shouldn't be relived</span>," he said. "I think they should look at the positive aspects to show students what they can achieve."
Wimbish said she contacted Smith, who then discussed Coleman's concerns with the Black History Committee before calling off Cotton Picking Day.
"I think the committee had the right heart when considering this and certainly had no negative intentions, because this is part of our history," Wimbish said.
"Different people have different perceptions, so I don't know if it would have been offensive. But we certainly want to work with our parents and listen to their concerns."
Ann Chapman, president of the school board for the Hattiesburg Public School District, said she was glad Coleman expressed his concerns.
"Sometimes everything we do may not be politically correct, but we want to do whatever is necessary to work with our parents and children," she said. "I think it's always a good idea to make parents aware so they can share their concerns with us in case we need to revisit something."
Coleman said although slavery is a part of history, he was glad school officials canceled Cotton Picking Day.
"I'm glad they decided to do something else <span style="font-weight: bold">that will portray African-American history more positively," </span>
he said.
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