Cabrillo High School in Long Beach, California has issued a formal apology after a racist photo taken during a school assembly went viral on social media, sparking outrage from parents and civil rights groups. The image, which appears to have been captured in the school’s gymnasium, shows students wearing t-shirts that collectively spell out a racial slur.
“This conduct is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our school or district. We sincerely apologize for the harm this has caused to our community,” the statement read.
“We want to be clear: this type of behavior is not condoned or tolerated at Cabrillo High School or anywhere in our district. Immediate steps are being taken to address the situation, and we are working with all relevant parties to ensure accountability. We are aware that this photo is currently being shared among students on social media. We ask that all members of our school community be mindful of the harm that sharing such images can cause and encourage open, thoughtful discussions about the impact of their actions.”
One parent who saw the offensive image voiced his anger on social media, drawing attention to the incident. In response, civil rights organizations—including Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches and Project Islamic Hope—have demanded accountability from Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker, calling for a full investigation into the matter.
The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) quickly condemned the photo, stating that they were deeply disappointed by the “disturbing and offensive” actions of the students involved. However, it remains unclear when exactly the photo was taken or whether those responsible will face disciplinary action.
School officials have launched an investigation and are urging students to report any inappropriate behavior to ensure incidents like this do not happen again. The community awaits further action from the school to hold those responsible accountable and to reinforce the importance of respect and inclusivity in the learning environment.
