A Massachusetts Catholic school is facing backlash after deciding to serve fried chicken as a lunch menu item to celebrate Black History Month.
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The announcement regarding the specialty item was made Tuesday morning at the Xavierian Brothers High School, an all-boys school. “In honor of Black History Month, one way we will celebrate is by highlighting a traditional meal each week that is a staple in Southern Black history. Today’s lunch is fried chicken,” said an administrator over the loudspeaker. However, the students criticized the school’s decision and called it “racist.”
According to the Patriot Ledger, senior class vice president Michael Earls said the school should issue an apology for making an ignorant decision. “[They] must first acknowledge that their ignorance perpetuated a racist stereotype and issue a formal apology,” he explained.
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The school said in a statement that their intention was to educate students about the importance of fried chicken and that the menu choice was picked by a Black food service employee.
“We are saddened by this outcome. Going forward, we will strive to ensure that all members of our community understand the significance of our efforts to celebrate Black History Month.”