Minnesota High School Students Suspended for Wearing Clothes Resembling Ku Klux Klan Attire

Students at a Minnesota high school found themselves suspended after wearing clothes that were described as resembling KKK outfits.

At least seven Mound Westonka High School students, part of the winning dodgeball team from an event at school, wore the costumes during their game, then afterward to a fundraiser.

“I turned around, and the team behind me looked like they came in with a Ku Klux Klan uniform, or an interpretation of it,” senior Ryan Anderson told CBS. “It was something to say the least.”

Santiago Rodriguez, a Mound Westonka junior, said he felt “disgusted” when he heard about the costumes and saw the pictures that were circulating from a friend who attended the tournament.

2 Mound Westonka HS students suspended for racist dodgeball uniforms, comments. https://t.co/hqhwIFsOES pic.twitter.com/mqjRNBKh7f

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“The teachers didn’t recognize it as something that could be offensive, because all they saw was a bunch of kids dressed in white,” Santiago told the Star Tribune. “It wasn’t the stereotypical hooded Klansman, but they were still going for a KKK-vibe with it.”

An image of one of the students wearing the costume was shared on Snapchat with the caption “Grand wizard,” seemingly referring to the Klu Klux Klan.

None of the students involved have commented as of yet, but reportedly took to social media to make KKK- and white power-related comments.

“Anybody who is well-versed in history can know that anyone with a pointed white hat is trying to symbolize the KKK. There are not a lot of other organizations that can be confused with,” a concerned parent told Fox9.

The school released a statement revealing the students have been suspended following an investigation. 

“During the investigation, it was determined that actions taken by some students, both on and off campus, were in violation of district policy, and appropriate action was taken in accordance with district policy. Investigation into possible misconduct by other students is ongoing,” the school said.

“Westonka Schools is deeply committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment that respects diversity in all forms and will continue to work with families to ensure the well-being of our students, staff and visitors.”

The school is made up mostly of white students.