Two central Ohio high school students are facing disciplinary action for what they painted on their bodies.
The Pickerington students covered themselves in red and blue body paint for the school's patriotic themed football game. Some in the crowd at the game Friday night at Pickerington High School North said the message written on their bodies was far from patriotic.
Written in what appears to be paint, across the back of an African-American student, the words, 'former slave.' On the white student, 'former slave owner' is written in paint across his back.
Community members tell 10TV the body art was in bad taste. "I don't think it is appropriate. We should be beyond that, but kids are kids and they do crazy things," Gary Ebright said.
The superintendent of Pickerington Local Schools, Valerie Browning-Thompson sent 10TV a statement. "The Pickerington North High School administrators we made aware of this issue right before halftime. The administrators immediately began to locate the students. When the students heard the administrators were aware of their actions, they left the game before they could talk with them. We do have the photo and have identified both students. This type of behavior is violation of our student code of conduct. We will deal with both students Monday."
Some questioned whether or not the students should be punished by the district. "What are they going to get them in trouble for? What's the punishment? Kids being kids," resident Michael Martin said.
10TV was only able to identify one of the students in the photo. We were unsuccessful in reaching him or his parents for comment. Stay with 10TV for updates.
