Nonprofit Fires Leader Over Slavery-Themed Student Event Inquiry
BREAKING: A South Jersey nonprofit has terminated its executive director, Betsy McBride, following an inquiry about involving local middle school students in a slavery-themed reenactment. The decision, announced by board president Tom Smith on Saturday, comes after widespread backlash regarding the appropriateness of the request for the upcoming 350th anniversary event in Salem City.
This urgent development unfolded when McBride reportedly approached Salem Middle School about using Black students to portray figures from the Underground Railroad. The inquiry raised immediate concerns about insensitivity, prompting Smith to confirm her suspension earlier this week.
Smith stated, “We have a member of the NAACP on our board who informed me that an apology was issued by Mrs. McBride to the principal of the middle school, but it was not well-received.” An international investigation into the incident is now underway, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
McBride expressed regret in an email to the school’s principal, emphasizing her lack of awareness regarding the implications of her request. “I wasn’t thinking how that would sound to you. And that’s the problem, right? White privilege means I didn’t think. But it was offensive and for that I apologize,” she wrote, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Attempts to reach her for further comments on Saturday were unsuccessful.
In light of these developments, Smith issued a formal apology to Carol Kelley, the Superintendent of Salem City School District, labeling McBride’s request as “inappropriate and insensitive.” He reassured the community that Stand Up for Salem prioritizes diversity and inclusion, stating, “We’re deeply apologetic that this incident occurred. It’s not a request that we have condoned or endorsed.”
The incident has sparked significant outrage and discussions surrounding race and representation in community events. The October 4 event, which is set to feature actors portraying abolitionists Abigail Goodwin and Amy Hester “Hetty” Reckless, is now under scrutiny as the organization reassesses its approach to such sensitive topics.
Salem City, founded in 1675, has deep historical roots, making the recent events particularly poignant as the community prepares to commemorate its rich heritage. Residents and local officials are now eager to see how the organization will move forward in the wake of this controversy.
As this story develops, community members and stakeholders are advised to monitor updates closely, especially regarding further actions from Stand Up for Salem and the outcome of the ongoing investigation. This incident underscores the critical need for sensitivity in cultural portrayals and the importance of public dialogue on race and history.
