Harrison High students disciplined for photo that classmates claim showed racial slur

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Soccer players from Harrison High School are facing consequences from their school district after posting a photo on social media holding up balloons that fellow students claim appeared to spell the "N" word with one missing letter.

Multiple students reached out to KRDO13 to voice concerns about the photo, saying the balloons originally read "Congratulations Seniors". When confronted, students say the soccer players in the photo claimed it was a reference to a country in Africa.

District 2 says it was posted on social media on Monday, and they immediately started hearing concerns from students and parents. 

"To go to that point, to take a picture of balloons that spelled out the hard r, I just didn't expect that. It's a time in life where you just know right from wrong. And this is a situation where you knew you were in the wrong. Like, it takes two minutes to apologize," says Harrison High senior student Hailey Richmond.

Another student echoed the same frustration. "That made me feel more mad that they thought it was just a joke and like, it wasn't such a big deal when like, the background and the meaning behind that term is like, actually very painful..." says Harrison High senior student Elishia Hicks.

KRDO13 reached out to the district about the photo and received the following statement:

Harrison High School administration responded immediately upon learning of a social media post involving a small group of students displaying inappropriate and offensive language. A thorough investigation was conducted, and the situation is being addressed in accordance with the District’s Code of Conduct.

We want to be clear: this behavior does not reflect the values of Harrison High School or Harrison School District 2, and it will not be tolerated. Appropriate disciplinary action is being taken, and the students involved are being held accountable.

In addition to discipline, the school is taking steps to ensure this becomes a learning opportunity. We are committed to reinforcing expectations around respect and inclusion, and will engage students in restorative practices to help build understanding, empathy, and accountability.

Due to student privacy laws, including FERPA, we cannot share specific details about individual students.

District 2 reached out to families with the following message:

Dear Harrison High School Families,

I am writing to reaffirm an expectation that is central to who we are as a school community: every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.

Hate speech, racial slurs, and any form of discrimination have no place at Harrison High School. This expectation extends beyond the school day and beyond our campus. Student behavior, whether it occurs at school or outside of school hours, that disrupts the learning environment or undermines the dignity of others will be addressed in accordance with our District’s Code of Conduct.

When situations arise, our response is both firm and purposeful. We hold students accountable for their actions, and we also work to ensure they understand the impact of their behavior. Through education and restorative practices, we aim to build empathy, strengthen character, and reinforce the values that define our community.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations with your students. Together, we can ensure Harrison High School remains a place where all students feel a strong sense of belonging and respect.

Sincerely,
Dr. Birhanzel, Superintendent

"At the end of the day, whether they intended it one way or another, it was taken a different way. And so it's our responsibility to make sure we not only educate those students, but we find a way and a plan to move forward effectively," says Dr. Chris Page, an assistant superintendent of Harrison District 2.

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