Cincinnati school disciplines students who put ‘Whites only’ and ‘Blacks only’ signs above water fountains

Students at Ohio’s Colerain High School were “issued significant disciplinary action” after posting “Whites Only” and “Blacks Only” signs above water fountains.

The students involved were not identified and the school did not disclose how the students were disciplined.

The school released a statement, which read in part: “Upon investigation of the matter, we have learned that the notes posted over the water fountains were posted for a matter of 30 seconds before being removed by the students. The students involved in the incident posted the signs, took photos and removed the notes before posting the photos online. Those who participated in this tasteless and hurtful act have been issued significant disciplinary actions.”

The school also reaffirmed their commitment “in creating a culture of inclusivity, respect, kindness and compassion for everyone.” They added, “As a school community it’s our responsibility to uphold these values and we will not tolerate any action from anyone that compromises or disrupts that culture.”

The high school administration sent a note to the school’s parents and families the day of the incident. At that time, the investigation found two students involved in creating and posting the signs.

“Any student, including those who are found to have taken part in sharing the post online, will also be subject to disciplinary action,” that note reads. The school district posted the public-facing statement May 16 following a report by Fox 19.

“These water fountains were labeled ‘blacks only,’ ‘whites only,’ which pushed us back so many generations,” said a parent, who wished to remain anonymous. “My heart dropped. My heart dropped. I could not believe it. It was so offensive.”

The Northwest Local School District is located in Hamilton County, approximately 12 miles from downtown Cincinnati. It serves about 9,000 students from Colerain, Green, Ross and Springfield townships.

Similar incidents have been taking place across the country. A day after the Ohio district announced the punishments, school officials in Florida’s Palm City announced an investigation into photos on social media that showed students holding up letters spelling out the n-word.

Last month, a student at a Chicago high school was found to have made a “highly inappropriate” prom proposal, which reads: “If I was black, I’d be picking cotton, but I’m white so I’m picking you.” Two white students were pictured holding the sign.

In addition, a black female high school student admitted in February to a “prank that went sideways” after writing ‘colored’ and ‘white’ over two water fountains at McClatchy High School. The school district said that she will be disciplined.