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KKK robes in class: Student presentation sparks controversy at Las Vegas school

Two Las Vegas students dressed up as Ku Klux Klan members for a U.S. history presentation.
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Ku Klux Klan members hide their faces during a New York City rally. UPI File/Ezio Petersen
Ku Klux Klan members hide their faces during a New York City rally. UPI File/Ezio Petersen 
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Published: Jan. 28, 2013 at 3:53 PM
By KATE STANTON, UPI.com

Two juniors at a performing arts school in Las Vegas wore Ku Klux Klan costumes during a history class presentation.

According to the Las Vegas Sun, school officials received complaints after a photograph of one of the students -- wearing the KKK's traditional robe and hood outside of class -- hit social media.

School principal Scott Walker apologized in a letter to parents, calling the January 9 incident "offensive."

While the presentation was designed to highlight the atrocities committed by the Klan, and there was no intention to harm or offend on the part of the students, it was in poor judgment and inappropriate for students to go to such lengths to convey their message.

I am deeply saddened that LVA, which prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment for all, was the site of any action that could cause sadness and anger for our school family. We are deeply sorry for this offensive incident and appreciate your support and cooperation as we use these events as teachable moments about cultural and historical understanding.

According to the Sun, district officials "reminded" the teacher that it was school policy to consult the principal before any "potentially controversial lessons." Though police investigated the incident, neither the teacher nor the students received any formal punishment.

Las Vegas Academy also drew attention in 2011 when the school's production of "Big River," based on Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," featured use of the N-word.

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