Whitworth apologizes after soccer players post blackface photo

Whitworth University issued an apology on Facebook on Tuesday after a photo was posted showing five women’s soccer players wearing afro wigs – including four wearing blackface – in an apparent attempt to appear as members of The Jackson Five for a skit at an informal event at a bowling alley.

Whitworth’s Lawrence Burnley, the school’s chief diversity officer, posted the apology. He said the photo was quickly taken down and that the school “has absolutely no tolerance for the type of behavior demonstrated.”

In an interview, Burnley said he spoke with all five players and was convinced they simply didn’t know the “horrific history” of blackface and its racist implications.

“I’m convinced there was no intentional behavior on behalf of the students to be offensive,” he said. “It is in fact a teachable moment. We will intentionally create spaces to engage students so they can learn and talk about the incident and the history about why it is so hurtful to so many people.”

Athletic Director Tim Demant said athletic officials also met with the players, whom he declined to name. He said he did not order any suspensions but left the final decision to coach Jael Hagerott. The soccer team opens the season at noon today at home against Carleton.

“Obviously, their actions were very unfortunate,” Demant said. “But students make dumb decisions without knowing the implications of their decisions. We don’t feel it would do any benefit to anybody” to suspend them.