(Editor’s Note: The following article was composed from several online sources).

A photo taken in Big Lake and posted on social media is making the rounds on the internet and on news stations. The photo shows two young people holding a sign that reads “If I Was Black I’d Be Picking Cotton, But I’m White So I’m Picking You.”

Officials from Big Lake School District 727 say racism is not condoned in any form and they released the following statement Tuesday,

“Earlier today, the Big Lake School District was made aware of a “promposal” post on Facebook that reportedly involved students using a racial comment. The School District is taking this report very seriously and is in the process of investigating this matter.”

“We will be evaluating it under any and all applicable School District policies and will take whatever action is necessary and appropriate to address the situation.”

“Due to state and federal data privacy laws, the School District is prohibited from sharing more information about this matter with the public about the specifics of this incident and the students involved.”

“Big Lake Schools does not condone racism, in any form. Our school has been committed to implementing the Hornet Way, as a way to develop and guide our students’ character and actions. The Hornet Way teaches the values of respect, honesty, kindness, responsibility, and fairness.”

“We believe those values extend to all aspects of our school community. The School District also is committed to ensuring that all students and staff are treated equally and can attend school and report to work in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Our expectations are high and we expect compliance by all.”

Due to state and federal data privacy laws, the district is unable to comment on what specific actions have been taken.

Big Lake School leaders sent an alert to parents, teachers and students informing them that the school would be moving to distance learning Thursday and Friday because of threats, as a result of the viral photo. 

“Growing up here, it doesn’t really surprise me sadly,” said Aleshia Halvorson, who went to Big Lake High School.

“That’s a product of the environment that the school produces,” said Rayveen Koha-Jallah, a 2018 graduate of Big Lake High School, and a local civil rights activist.