Big Lake Schools in Distance Learning Over Racist Promposal Backlash

(KNSI) – Students in the Big Lake School District are in the distance learning model for Thursday, April 29th, and Friday, April 30th due to “a number of threats” following a racist promposal gone viral.

In the now widely shared picture, it shows two white students holding a sign that reads, “If I were black, I’d be picking cotton, but I’m white, so I’m picking you. Prom?”

In a statement from the district sent to parents, administrators say the switch is in the interest of student and staff safety, adding, “We have had numerous conversations with local law enforcement and are working quickly to resolve this issue. Student safety is our top priority at all times.”

The Big Lake High School prom is not sponsored by the district, and administrators say appropriate measures have been taken. Because the students are believed to be minors, federal law prevents the district from releasing more information. Buildings are closed, and all after school and extracurricular activities have been canceled for Thursday and Friday.

An email sent by KNSI to the Big Lake Police Department seeking more information about the threats was passed to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, as they reportedly have jurisdiction over the schools, not Big Lake Police. That email has yet to be returned.

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