EAST HAMPTON, Conn. — A Connecticut high school cheer that has been used for years is under scrutiny for its use of the word "white."
East Hampton High's colors are white and blue and it's not uncommon to see "whiteouts" at the school sports games.
WFSB reports that Principal John Fidler sent out a letter this week that said because of the current social climate across the country, the use of the "white" cheer is under suspension.
"It's kind of outgrown just being done in our gym and at pep rallies and there's a time and a place where the cheer is appropriate and a time when it may appear insensitive," school Superintendent Paul Smith told WFSB.
The note sparked an online firestorm with students posting their outrage on Facebook.
"This stuff has me outraged they are trying to take a simple chant that our school has done for years and years. They are trying to make it about race," posted Jordan Michnowicz.
"When the seniors cheer all they say is white. They don't say white power or anything involving race they are just saying white," wrote Brandon Kochuk.
School officials said there was a lot of misinformation on social media and they met with students to explain the issue.
“In road games, we're dressed in blue, and even though it's still the senior tradition to say white, white, white, over and over, I think the context is not understood by everybody,” Smith said.
After Thursday’s discussion with the senior class, Smith said the cheer is no longer suspended, but the principal wants the students to reflect positive attitudes.
The superintendent added that the timing of the note and the discussion was to coincide with the start of winter sports where gyms will be used weekly and the cheers will be heard bouncing off the walls.