Blackface, fake missing teeth and a sign that reads “Blak Lives Matter”! What would you do if a member of your child’s school board was seen wearing this at Halloween?

Would you accept that it was a silly joke, just a misstep and a poor attempt at humor? I really, really hope not! That kind of decision is done with intent at every step. Any sensible adult knows that blackface and black-mockery, AKA Racism, is NOT ok!

This time, an elected official from Blevins School District in Arkansas was called out for the disgusting black face costume.

The photos were sent to Channel 7 and were said to be taken at a Halloween party. The man was identified as school board member Ted Bonner.

Surely, surely, this man does not have the sensibilities to be allowed to operate in any public position, elected or not!

ABC Channel 7 reported:

“A superintendent doesn’t have any power to address a problem on the part of an individual board member. Board members are collectively the boss of the superintendent,” said Kristen Garner, Staff Attorney with the Arkansas School Boards Association.

According to Superintendent Billy Lee, Bonner has 2 more years left in his term. The Arkansas School Boards Association say when Bonner’s term is up, voters will have a chance to decide his future with the district.

“With respect to the voters, they are the people with whom the power actually lies but their option is to only wait until the individual in question comes up for reelection and they can make a choice at the ballot box,” said Garner.

In the meantime, School Board President, Justice West, issued this statement to Channel 7:

I am aware of the incident that has occurred and find it very upsetting and distasteful. That action does not represent the values of the Blevins School District, the school board, or our community. However, the school board nor the school administration holds the power under the law to discipline or remove a school board member, only the voters have that power during the next school board election. The issue was addressed at Monday nights’ board meeting along with a sincere apology from the individual board member for the thoughtless act.- Justice West

Superintendent Lee says Bonner has apologized for his choice to wear blackface.

The local chapter of the NAACP say they will plan a protest if he is not forced to step down.

If the voters don’t do something to take him down then you really have to worry about the integrity of the entire area, right?

Channel 7 report: http://katv.com/news/local/blevins-school-district-blackface-controversy