The border crisis is continuing to cause problems—but not in the way you might expect. While the country anxiously awaits the upcoming presidential election, a group of staff members at a South Carolina school have lost their jobs after posing with “border patrol” t-shirts.
The incident stirred up controversy among the public after certain staff members at Royall Elementary School were seen dressed as perceived border patrol agents—merely gray t-shirts with the words printed on them—during an event to celebrate Hispanic heritage. Florence 1 Schools had posted the since-removed images to its Facebook page, drawing attention to the situation.
In addition to the “border patrol” t-shirts, staff were also pictured dressed in Hispanic attire, such as sombreros, and posing before a fake brick wall and a sign that read “Royall Cantina.” According to Dr. Richard O’Malley, head of the school district, those who were in the photos have either been fired or put on administrative leave.
He was reportedly “notified by my staff” about the post, which he described as “inexcusable.” The superintendent added that the images and the “conduct” of staff members in the photos is “not a representation” of the district, school, staff, or students.
O’Malley then wrote a letter addressed to parents, informing them of the staff firings and leaves that resulted from the “serious nature” of the controversy. He also said that he does not intend to “tolerate anything” like the display in the district and “assure[d]” the Royall school community that the incident will not impact the quality of education.
Although the precise number of individuals not currently working for the district—as well as the duration of leave for those who were not terminated—O’Malley shared that Michelle Wynn and Christopher Rogers, who serve as the district’s assistant superintendent and STEM education director, respectively, will temporarily fill administrator roles.
The controversy comes at a time when immigration has become one of the most important issues and top priorities for voters. According to a poll from earlier this year, 28% of Americans view this subject as the top issue facing the country, surpassing even the federal government.
Comparatively, the government was ranked the top issue facing America every month between January and November 2023. It was then surpassed by a spiked percentage of citizens who view immigration as the most important issue in the country.
