JAMESTOWN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Education officials have launched an investigation into a video showing teens dressed in KKK robes on Halloween.
The video gained traction online Friday after which the Tennessee Department of Education received a complaint. Officials say at that point an investigation was immediately launched. Two football players at the York Institute have admitted to wearing KKK garb.
NewsChannel 5 reached out to Jamestown Police to see if they responded to any complaints about the incident. Officials responded saying, "while it was distasteful, it was Halloween night and there was no crime committed."
TDOE Superintendent Joe Miller released the following statement:
“It was brought to our attention last week that a few York Institute students wore KKK robes on Halloween night at a Jamestown restaurant. Though federal law prohibits York Institute from commenting on issues related to specific students, York does not tolerate discrimination or harassing behavior among our student body. We always take action to ensure all of our students feel welcome and safe at school while demonstrating respect for one another.”
The video was recorded at a Sonic in Jamestown. The restaurant also released a statement condemning the costumes.
"We understand that people dressed in offensive costumes visited this drive-in briefly during the evening of Halloween, and a video of them was posted on social media. Their choice to wear such offensive costumes is unacceptable, and we certainly hope they will make a different choice in the future.
At SONIC, we are committed to building diversity and inclusion into all aspects of our work. We are not only focused on delivering great food and friendly service, we also care deeply about the communities we serve. The video is not reflective of SONIC’s standards and values."
