The mayors of Homewood and Flossmoor issued a joint statement Monday condemning the racist behavior of several high school students over the weekend.
National media attention has focused on the community after a video was widely distributed online Sunday showing four white Homewood-Flossmoor High School students in blackface making crude comments to a young black woman working at a fast food restaurant.
The statement from Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld and Flossmoor Mayor Paul Braun was posted to the social media pages of both villages.
“In light of the highly offensive incident that unfolded over the weekend, the village of Homewood and the village of Flossmoor have come together to show solidarity in our condemnation of this type of behavior,” the statement said. “No matter the age or the action of the person, hurtful and offensive behavior is neither accepted nor condoned.”
The mayors continued by asserting the community’s pride in its diversity and inclusion.
“The actions of these individuals do not reflect the values we have worked to establish. Our diversity is a fundamental value that should be fully embraced, respected, and at the forefront of our community.”
They concluded by pledging to work with community partners to address the incident.
H-F High School administrators sent a letter to parents on Sunday offering similar condemnation of the students’ behavior and promising to investigate and take appropriate action.
Related story:
Community criticizes H-F students in blackface (April 28, 2019)