Milwaukee school removes controversial Black History Month project

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee School of Languages removed a controversial Black History Month student project after it offended some students and parents.

The project included the word "colored" posted above a water fountain at the Milwaukee public school. 

Principal Juan Baez and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) released a shared statement. 

MPS is aware of a student project for Black History Month that depicted elements of segregation. While the intent of this project was to highlight historic events, it was presented without context and some people were offended by the display. Our priority is to create an environment that is safe and welcoming to all students. For these reasons, we decided to remove the display and engage students and staff in meaningful conversations that acknowledge the viewpoints of all involved.
We apologize if anyone was offended or hurt by this event.

Felipa Balderas told CBS 58 her daughter, a senior at the Milwaukee School of Langauages, sent her a picture of the sign before it was removed.

"She was almost in tears," Balderas said. "It caught me off guard and I'm kind of like speechless."

Balderas called the lesson inappropriate and offensive. 

"They should have communicated to students this is going to be a part of the program that's coming up, you know, so they at least knew a heads up of why it was there, if that's what they're claiming it was there for," Balderas said.

A different parent told CBS 58 they were relieved to see the school act quickly in taking the project down.