WESTWOOD, MA – AUGUST 23: Xaverian Brothers High School is pictured in Westwood, MA on Aug. 23, 2015. (Photo by Joanne Rathe/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Xaverian Brothers, the all boys school in Westwood, is under fire for promoting fried chicken as a choice for lunch to order to celebrate Black History Month.
The following message was broadcast over the school's PA system Tuesday morning: "In honor of Black History Month, one way we will celebrate is by highlighting a traditional meal each week that is a staple in Southern Black history. Today's lunch is fried chicken."
"Honestly, I think it's just a big stereotype. It could be seen as a little racist," said Xaverian senior Liam Baker. "It's the first day of Black History Month. They couldn't have come up with a better thing than fried chicken for African cuisine? It doesn't really make much sense."
After backlash, a statement was released from the school that read "Regrettably, our message was poorly communicated resulting in some perceiving it as the propagation of a negative stereotype," reads a statement from Xaverian Brothers High School. "We are saddened by this outcome. Going forward, we will strive to ensure that all members of our community understand the significance of our efforts to celebrate Black History Month."
