There are bad ideas and then there are really bad ideas. The costumes from Robert E. Lee High School Principal Mark Rowicki and secretary Stephanie Corbett are in former category with their Donald Trump and “prison Hillary” Halloween outfits:
Since the photos went public, parents in Staunton have criticized the administration for the “politically charged costumes” on school grounds.
One of those parents was Emberly Lynn Martin, who graduated from the high school and has two daughters.
“I don’t care who you are or are not voting for. You are professionals, who work with children. Some more impressionable then others. The fact that any school official would think it’s okay to dress like this leaves me appalled and floored,” Martin wrote on a Facebook post with the controversial image. “What message are you sending to any of them when their high school principal dresses up like a man who wants to deport them, says things like “she’s a nasty woman”, or “grab em by the p—–?”
That doesn’t even begin to touch the “prison Hillary” outfit, apparently inspired by Donald Trump’s “lock her up” rally cry. Jailing political opponents who’ve never been convicted of a crime? Hilarious, amirite?
Needless to say, the school quickly deleted the photos. Staunton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Linda Reviea is now involved:
"It is a longstanding tradition of Staunton City Schools—and of many school divisions across the United States—to allow students and staff to engage in festive activities and dress in costume for Halloween. That said, the particular costumes worn by two employees at R.E. Lee High School were in poor judgment, given the current political climate and the extraordinarily strong sentiments for the 2016 presidential candidates. I became aware of the situation on Tuesday night and instructed our staff to remove the images in question from Lee High School’s website today (Wednesday). We are handling the situation as a personnel matter and addressing the issue with relevant staff.”
Principal Mark Rowicki said he hasn’t had any complaints, but he offered a half-hearted apology anyway:
Rowicki said he apologizes to anyone offended. He said if anyone is offended, they can call him directly or come down to the school and talk with him. He told Fultz he has not heard any complaints from students, teachers, faculty or parents so far.
[H/T Talking Points Memo]