For Immediate Release: June 9, 2015

Contact: Madison Donzis, madison@fitzgibbonmedia.com, 210.488.6220

Civil Rights Group Responds to Superintendent Jay Foster Dropping Charges Against Family at MS High School Graduation

After receiving pressure from thousands nationwide, Tate County School Superintendent Jay Foster has dropped the disturbing the peace charges he filed against Black family members for cheering loudly during a graduation ceremony.

Statement from Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of ColorOfChange.org:

“Beyond the stress and hardship Foster’s actions have caused these families, what is truly disgraceful is the role dehumanizing stereotypes — that Black people are loud, unruly, and disruptive — likely played in the filing of these charges.

“Superintendent Jay Foster’s decision to drop the outrageous charges against The Walker family and others was the right one. What those family members did that day — proudly, enthusiastically supporting a loved one — is not a crime. Over 45,000 ColorOfChange members joined thousands across the country in demanding Foster drop the charges. We’re glad to see that he headed their call. Now that Foster has withdrawn his legal complaints, we urge him to apologize to these families for tarnishing their reputations and bringing unwanted media scrutiny into their lives.”

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With more than 1 million members nationwide, ColorOfChange.org is the country’s largest online civil rights group.