One Pennsylvania high school chose a unique theme for their fall homecoming celebration this year by approving the celebration of “Trayvon Martin Day” as part of their annual spirit week.
While Carrick High School students originally planned to pay tribute to the unarmed, murdered Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, parent and student complaints regarding the celebration, originally scheduled to take place Wednesday, resulted in a cancellation. According to a report from CBS Pittsburgh Monday, individuals expressed their concerns that students at the Pittsburgh-based school were encouraged to “wear hoodies” during the celebration, a clothing item found on the teen after he was shot and killed by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman in 2012.
According to Homecoming Committee member, student Javon Jordan, the days’ celebration has since been changed to “Bucco hat day” after receiving numerous complaints. “It brought up some controversy to the point where there were people giving mixed signals about it,” said Javon, adding, “We just used Bucco Day to put everybody together, put everybody as a whole.”
While the cancelled celebration has now become a source of controversy principal Dennis Chakey told the NY Daily News that the theme was meant to be a positive event in an effort to raise social awareness. “It became more apparent that some students were uncomfortable with and were concerned with how it would be viewed if they did not participate,” added public information officer for the district, Ebony Pugh.
While not all parental figures react negatively to the planned event, social media users were not divided in their opinions according to a report from News One. “Skittles and ice tea for lunch,” wrote Twitter user @GCGATOR24 Tuesday, referencing the items Martin purchased shortly before his death. “What do kids do, skip school & smoke weed,” wrote another Twitter user, Carlos Hernandez Tuesday.
‘Trayvon Martin Day’: Carrick High School Cancels Controversial Homecoming Theme After Parent Complaints
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