Hillsborough County

NH high school cancels weekend sporting events amid backlash over a racist homecoming poster

MANCHESTER, N.H. — A New Hampshire high school has canceled all weekend sporting events as the school deals with threats of violence over a racist homecoming poster that has been circulating on social media. The poster in question is highlighted in a picture that shows a now former Trinity High School student asking a girl to the school’s Homecoming Dance.

Boston 25 has chosen not to show the poster due to the inappropriate imagery and language used in that poster which makes a reference to slavery. The poster has sparked outrage on social media, on the school’s campus, and in the city’s Black community.

Trinity is a private school in Manchester, New Hampshire. The incident did not happen on school property, according to a spokesperson.

In a letter sent to members of the Trinity School, President Nathan Stanton wrote, “the incident was reported before the end of the school day [Thursday] and, given the nature of the report, the Trinity administration took immediate action to gather information, assess appropriate action with the Superintendent of Schools of the Diocese of Manchester, and notify necessary parties. We spoke with concerned students and faculty to provide information regarding this incident and the actions taken.”

It is unclear at this time what actions were taken by the school, but rumors have circulated online regarding the discipline handed out to the student in question.

“I urge all members of our community to refrain from speculation and promoting disinformation regarding the student, the school’s response, or the details in this matter,” Stanton said. “Privacy and student confidentiality concerns prevent me from sharing disciplinary actions that were taken, but I assure all of you that this or similar behavior is not tolerated or accepted by any member of our Trinity High School community.”

The Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Manchester, David Thibault, also chimed in on the disciplinary allegations.

“The rumor of a ‘one day suspension’ and allowance of the student to continue his participation in athletics is simply not accurate, and it never has been,” Thibault said. “Issues surrounding privacy prevent us from providing certain student information, however, the young person is no longer a student at Trinity High School.”

School officials say in the wake of this incident, threats of violence have been made against Trinity High School. The school has been in contact with the Manchester Police Department regarding these threats, according to authorities.

“Out of an abundance of caution for the physical safety of all members of our school community, all athletic events originally scheduled for this weekend will be postponed,” Stanton said. “We believe, and we teach, that each person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore has inherent dignity and value. Racial Mockery or acts of racism are at odds with those beliefs and are absolutely unacceptable.”

It is unclear when the athletic events of this weekend will be made up. Boston 25 has reached out to the athletic department for further comment.

“Trinity is a tight-knit community as evidenced by the outpouring of support and concern shown from current students, parents, staff, and alumni. We are committed to a school environment in which all students feel safe and welcome,” said Stanton. “I am grateful to those who brought this incident to our quick attention and rest assured that the formation, safety, and well-being of our entire community remain my top priority.”

Superintendent Thibault also said he will be on campus next week to help foster “a community where all are treated with dignity and respect.”

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