Administrators at a California Catholic high school have apologized for putting watermelon, fried chicken and cornbread on the menu as a part of a Black History Month celebration.
According to KNTV, some of the students at Carondelet High School for Girls in Concord had asked for a way to acknowledge the special month. But after the school's proposed lunchtime celebration included racial stereotypes, parents and students responded with outrage.
School officials refused requests to speak to the media on Wednesday, but an assembly was reportedly held to explain the situation to the students. A letter was also sent home to parents.
"I'd like to apologize for the announcement and any hurt this caused students, parents or community members," Principal Nancy Libby wrote to parents. "Please know that at no time at Carondelet do we wish to perpetrate racial stereotypes."
Several students told KNTV's Cheryl Hurd that the Black Student Union had asked Principal Libby to take watermelon off the menu. In her letter to parents, Libby said that the school would also nix plans for fried chicken and corn bread.
The school has announced that a diversity assembly will be scheduled for students and faculty.
Watch the video below from KNTV, broadcast Feb. 6, 2013.
["Cute Little Girl Eating Watermelon On The Grass In Summertime" on Shutterstock]
