'We Apologize For The Offensive Clip Art Graphic': Joliet School Superintendent Theresa Rouse

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Public School District 86 school year is off to a rocky start thanks something bad that happened in the latest school district newsletter that just went out. Long-time District 86 School Superintendent Theresa Rouse took to her district's Facebook page on Thursday to make an announcement apoligizing over the matter.

"We apologize for the offensive clip art graphic that was used in our community newsletter," Rouse announced. "We recognize that the choice was inappropriate and harmful and it does not reflect our values. We take full responsibility and will be more deliberate in ensuring all materials reflect the dignity and inclusivity our community deserves."

Rouse ended her statement by adding "we appreciate those who brought this to our attention and remain committed to doing better in how we represent and serve our community."

District 86 chose not to republish the visual graphic that apparently was deemed offensive to some, which has prompted lots of confusion from people who saw the superintendent's announcement on Facebook.

"What did I miss?" one woman commented.

"Can someone show what it was, inquiring minds wanna know," one man wrote.

"I seriously thought it was a teethy smile, like the front-page image of a child. Its not letting me upload the image," another woman wrote.

"It was a smile, this is much ado about nothing," District 86 school board member Emil Standfield wrote.

"There's a depiction of a Black child with large (oversized) white lips. The other children are shown with natural smiles. This was printed in the districts newsletter and mailed to families that reside in district 86. It is similar to the black face depiction of Black people," one woman responded.

"That is disgusting!!! What were they thinking? Were they adult employees of the school district who created this shameful document? Where were the editors? So sorry to read this!! It especially bothers me because I had the privilege and pleasure to have graduated have graduated from Joliet East with so many wonderful people-of all races!!" another person replied.

"Too many sensitive people in the world," one man wrote.

"Really? People are so sensitive...got nothing better to do than complain about stupid things," another poster remarked.