Trinity High student pictured in racist image no longer attending school

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A student pictured on social media with a racist homecoming proposal that included a reference to slavery is no longer attending Trinity High School in Manchester, New Hampshire, officials said Saturday.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Manchester David Thibault declined to identify the student but confirmed in a statement to MassLive the individual is longer a student at the high school. The image set off a wave of criticism toward the school and sparked outrage among community members.

This is a time to sit with others and truly listen; to love our neighbors as ourselves, Thibault said. Talking past one another, threats of violence, sharing of personal information, and posting of misinformation are unacceptable and must stop. Instead, lets continue to work together to build up a community where all are treated with dignity and respect.

The image, MassLive previously reported, depicted a boy and girl standing next to each other, grinning with a sign that made a racist reference.

WMUR previously reported the male in the photo is part of the high schools football team.

I know his heart. This is not what he is about. I think this is a tragic mistake, its one that the school needs to make sure that he takes responsibility for and makes sure hes disciplined for, football coach Rob Cathcart told WMUR. I cant speak to the school, thats their decision and their policy, and theyll do what is appropriate, but I know in his heart that thats not who he is.

In the Saturday statement, Thibault said there was a viral narrative regarding the disciplinary action purportedly imposed on the student.

This narrative is baseless. The rumor of a one-day suspension and allowance of the student to continue his participation in athletics is simply not accurate, and it never has been, Thibault said. The Trinity administration took action within a matter of hours of receiving an internal report of this image.

Thibault said any student impacted by the events can talk with parents, faculty, the school chaplain, administration officials, and the counseling department because no one should be treated differently because of race, color, or ethnicity.

Trinity has a supportive community of faculty and staff, and I had the opportunity to meet with them yesterday; they care deeply for every student, and they are heartbroken that their students are hurting. I want to convey my support for the entire Trinity family, the statement said.

The wording on the sign has been used before. CNN reported in 2018 that a senior student in Sarasota, Florida, held a sign with similar language. Another student used the exact same language in April at Northern Illinois High School, according to the Chicago Defender.

Thibault said there will be school-wide discussion, listening sessions, and formation in the wake of the incident.

I look forward to being on campus next week as they spend time in prayer and in dialogue with one another, he said in the statement.

Read Thibaults full statement below:

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