FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno Unified says the district is re-printing Computech Middle School yearbooks after the KKK symbol and confederate flags were printed in the lettering on one of the pages. They say the re-printing will be done at no additional cost for students and families.
(Photos: Computech Yearbook Cover and page featuring offensive symbols in lettering)
The photos were printed in the title of a page honoring 8th grade history teach Kari Pruett and her classroom.
Fresno Unified provided KMJ with statements from Ms. Pruett, Principal Andrew Scherner and interim Superintendent Bob Nelson:
Kari Pruett, History Teacher
“As an 8th grade history teacher, I have spent the school year teaching students about the Civil War, including a day dedicated to reenacting various components of the Civil War era. While I was unfamiliar with one of the symbols myself, I truly believe students created this page to reflect what they’ve learned in class. For me, the flags are symbols used in teaching students about our country’s history and absolutely do not reflect who I am as an individual or a teacher.”
Principal Andrew Scherrer
“We apologize for the oversight that occurred in the yearbook publication and have taken immediate steps to ensure future student designs are reviewed for appropriate content as well.”
Superintendent Bob Nelson
“As a district, our goal is to involve our students in school activities that enrich their experience and teach real world skills, including designing their school yearbook firsthand. In this case, we regrettably failed the students in providing them the necessary guidance they needed along the way. We want to apologize sincerely for this mistake, as it does not reflect our district’s core value of diversity and inclusion. Therefore, I have directed that a new yearbook be printed without those images and be made available to our students, employees and families at no cost.”
