MILTON, Wis. — Officials in Rock County are investigating as a meme comparing a high school football game to an image of slavery circulates on social media.
The image purportedly came from a Sept. 17 football game between Parker High School in Janesville and Milton High School, which Milton won 17-0. It shows a Milton player, who appears to be white, standing over a Black Parker player with the text “Slave begs for mercy after Master beats Viciously (1860 colorized).”
Below the image from the football game is a historical image of a white person whipping a Black person.
CONTENT WARNING: Some may consider the image very offensive.
In a statement, the Milton School District condemned the post, which they said was made by a local student.
“This post is abhorrent, inconsistent with the policies of the District, and has no place in our community,” the district wrote in a message to families Wednesday morning and shared with News 3 Now, adding they have referred the case to local law enforcement.
Milton school officials said neither student in the photo was involved in the creation of the meme.
A district spokesperson declined further comment, citing student misconduct.
Officials from the Milton Police Department and Janesville School District did not immediately return requests for comment.
The full message the Milton School District sent to families Wednesday morning reads:
Dear School District of Milton Families –
It has come to our attention that a post, created by a local student, has been making the rounds on social media. The post compares local student athletes on the field of play with racist and violent historical imagery.
The School District of Milton is committed to maintaining an educational environment that is free from all forms of racism, harassment, and discrimination. This post is abhorrent, inconsistent with the policies of the District, and has no place in our community.
Upon being made aware of the post, the School District of Milton took immediate action to investigate and has referred the matter to the local police authorities.
Given that this situation involves student misconduct, under state and federal laws, we are unable to comment any further.
We ask that our community join us at this time to condemn this racist imagery.
Given the disturbing nature of this image, the District encourages any in our community who need support to please reach out to our student services team members, guidance counselors, or social workers for assistance.
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