Community members of Blevins, Arkansas are appalled and outraged after photographs of a white school board member dressed in blackface went viral.
The Blevins school board member has been identified as Ted Bonner. The photos, which were apparently taken a few weeks ago at a Halloween party, show Bonner posing with a sign reading, “Blak Lives Matters,” which includes grammar and spelling errors–mocking the Black Lives Matter organization.
According to KATV ABC 7, many people in Blevins are demanding that Bonner resign from the school board. Superintendent of Blevins School District, Billy Lee, says there is no law in place that can be used to legally remove Bonner before the end of his term. Lee also stated that Bonner apologized for his decisions at a school board meeting.
In a statement to KATV ABC 7, Justice West, the School Board President, said neither the school board nor administration has any authority to remove board members. Bonner’s fate will fall in the hands of voters in the next school board election in 2018.
Faye Smith told KARK 4 News that she doesn’t understand why blackface is funny.
Smith, who have two black sons attending Blevins High School, called the incident appalling and disrespectful. Smith also stated that Bonner’s actions were hurtful because they completely contradict what she has taught her sons–to take pride in being black.
Superintendent Lee issued a statement explaining the school district’s commitment to the cultivation of a healthy and constructive school environment that has no tolerance for bullying or discrimination. Lee continued by stating that a prompt investigation would be underway if it comes to his attention that any staff are acting in ways that are incongruous with the values of the school district or its anti-discrimination policy.

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