JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An apparent prank at First Coast High School this week caused a buzz on social media because of its racist tone.
Someone posted handwritten signs over a pair of water fountains at the school, labeling one “whites only” and the other “colored.”
Outraged parents and students took to Facebook to vent about the signs, which they said were posted the day after Election Day. Many of them said they've never seen anything like it at the high school, and they believe that the election stirred up the incident.
A Duval County School District spokeswoman said the district is investigating the incident.
Students told News4Jax that they believe another student posted the notes.
Kendall Jackson, a junior basketball player at First Coast High, said he was speechless when he stumbled across the signs.
“I was worried because I used to see that stuff back in the day, and I was like, it's really coming back,” Jackson said.
He said he and teammate Armaun Harrison usually know what to do when faced with opposition. But they struggled when they saw the signs.
“I've been going there for four years and never had this type of problem, so it's like, 'Am I safe still?'” Harrison asked.
The district spokeswoman said school staff members immediately removed the notes once they were brought to their attention.
"The signs placed on top of the fountains are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our school district," Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said in a statement. "We are investigating the matter to determine who is behind the action to provide the appropriate discipline and counseling."