BRIDGEWATER, MA (WSVN) – The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District is apologizing after a teacher shared a photo with parents that appeared to show an African American girl on a leash in her classroom.
Superintendent Derek Swenson said in a press release that a complaint was lodged late Wednesday night regarding the picture, which was apparently sent out regarding a “recent enrichment program.”
Students in a third-grade class were given a presentation from Plimouth Plantation on 17th century attire, according to Swenson. Students were shown garments worn by parents, children, toddlers and infants.
Swenson said part of the presentation focused specifically on a garment worn by toddlers, which commonly featured tethering straps to assist them when learning to walk.
The photo in question showed the child outfitted in similar attire and surrounded by others wearing clothes from the time period.
“We realize without context added to the photo that was shared by the classroom teacher it could be perceived differently,” Swenson said.
The school district apologized, saying the lesson was never intended to “demean or degrade any one group or person.”
Plimouth Plantation released the following statement:
“The photo in question can clearly be explained. It captures a moment in a classroom visit where one of Plimoth Plantation’s Living History Educators who visited a third grade class is sharing highlights of life in the 17th century.
As shown in the image, the infant is wearing a gown which is commonly known as leading strings. In 17th-century Europe this was a common clothing item, which was used to help keep toddlers safe while they were learning to walk.
This educational content is something that is presented in many of Plimoth Plantation’s classroom visits. We apologize for any misconceptions that this may have caused. It was never this Museum’s intent to treat any one person or group with disrespect.”
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