The Muscogee County School District responded to an online uproar prompted by a high school band performance over the weekend saying school officials were unaware of a viral video shared on social media. The Columbus Ledger posted a segment of the Jordan High School band’s dance team performing during the Fountain City Classic parade Saturday. The video was met with swift backlash from hundreds of commenters before it was deleted for racially offensive remarks aimed at the teen dancers.
Several local citizens engaged in respectful dialogue though expressing concern over the performance that included teenagers “twerking” or “bucking” during the dance routine. Former educators weighed in on the performance including a retired Muscogee County principal and a former band director of 33 years who commented on the video stating the dance moves were not appropriate for the family friendly event. They called on current educators to evaluate the dance routine and offer constructive feedback.
One high school educator and social media influencer Franki Foster who did not view the video before it was removed immediately responded to the public discourse over the band’s performance. “This is another reason why diversity in all spaces is important. The way the bands perform is traditional and cultural. Would you attend a Hawaiian luau and call their culture, dress and style of expression ‘inappropriate’ or ‘offensive’, Foster asked rhetorically…