Florence School Officials Resign After Photo Backlash
Florence, SC – The principal and vice principal of Royall Elementary School have resigned following controversy over a set of photos that were posted on the school’s Facebook page. The images depicted school staff dressed as U.S. Border Patrol agents and others in traditional Mexican clothing. This event was intended as a professional development activity with an Olympics theme, which took place just days before the start of the school year.
Staff Changes After Backlash
On August 5, Richard O’Malley, the superintendent of Florence 1 Schools, confirmed to local reporters that Principal Julie Smith and Vice Principal Marci Gatewood were “no longer employed with the district.” Their resignations came after widespread backlash against the Facebook posts that many described as offensive and culturally insensitive.
A letter sent by O’Malley to parents indicated that the search for a new principal would begin immediately. He appointed Christopher Rogers, the director of STEM education at Florence 1 Schools, as the acting principal. Meanwhile, Brittany Bennett, who served as a curriculum coordinator and technology coach at Moore Middle School, has been designated as the new permanent assistant principal.
Details of the Incident
The controversial photos were published on July 31, just as the school was preparing to welcome students back for the new year. In one image, staff members were dressed in clothing that clearly referenced the U.S. Border Patrol, while another photo featured them alongside coworkers wearing colorful apparel like sombreros. This stirred anger among many, who took to social media to voice their disapproval, labeling the display “disgusting,” “racist,” and “unacceptable.”
The fallout from the incident did not only affect the principal and vice principal. O’Malley also mentioned that several other staff members were impacted, with at least two classroom assistants and a custodian also terminated. Initial disciplinary actions were announced in an email sent to parents on August 2, but details about the full scope of the situation remained limited.
Background on Resigning Officials
Julie Smith had been a long-serving principal at Royall Elementary, holding the position for over thirty years. Under her leadership, the school received an “Excellent” rating on its latest South Carolina School Report Card. According to available data, Royall Elementary significantly outperformed state averages in categories related to school climate and working conditions. Marci Gatewood had recently been recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year within the district.
Community Reaction
The community’s response to the incident was swift and pointed. Many parents and community members expressed their shock and disappointment, suggesting that the staff’s portrayal of such sensitive themes was not only inappropriate but harmful to the children they are meant to educate. The incident has sparked conversations around cultural sensitivity and inclusivity within the school environment.
The first day of school for the Florence district was officially marked on August 1, just after the incident was disclosed to the public, adding a complex layer to the school year’s beginning for both students and staff.
As the district navigates these changes, the focus now shifts toward finding new leadership and ensuring that future events related to professional development and community engagement foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere for all.
