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Fayetteville, GA—A racially charged incident at a Fayette County volleyball game last Wednesday has set off days of debate and strong words from community leaders, culminating in a tense school board meeting Monday night.
The controversy began when several people entered Whitewater High School’s gym with their faces and parts of their bodies painted black during a game against LaGrange High. Photos circulated quickly online, drawing outrage.
Press conference sparks pressure
State Representative Derrick Jackson of Georgia’s 68th District, who is also a candidate for governor, convened a press conference earlier in the day with Fayette NAACP leaders. He called the incident “an act of profound insensitivity” and criticized the district’s slow response.
“A policy is useless if it is not enforced,” Jackson said. “Our students deserve to feel respected and protected. We ask the superintendent to promote empathy, understanding, and respect for all cultures.”
Quentin Pullen, Fayette NAACP Vice President and now a candidate to succeed Jackson in the legislature, described the event as a “teachable moment.”
“Blackface has been used since the 1820s to mock and shame Black people,” Pullen said. “This is an opportunity to educate so it doesn’t happen again. Diversity programs should be part of our schools and communities.”
Superintendent issues apology
At the evening board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Patterson directly addressed the controversy for the first time.
“It is never acceptable to paint one’s face black,” Patterson said. “This action is deeply offensive and does not reflect the values of our schools or our community. We regret that we did not prevent these individuals from entering, and I sincerely apologize for the hurt this caused.”
Patterson said administrators had asked those involved to remove the paint and that the district would strengthen staff training and review its student code of conduct. “Our goal is not only to address this incident but to encourage everyone to reflect on how personal choices affect peers, teachers, schools, families, and this community,” he added.
NAACP presses for clarity
Fayette County NAACP President Kevin Pratt II called for clear standards to prevent repeat incidents.
“We want to make sure that no one is emboldened to do something like this again,” Pratt said. “This is the time to update the code of conduct so there is no ambiguity. Our community needs accountability and assurance that incidents like this will not be dismissed.”
Parents and residents weigh in
During the public comment period, emotions ran high. Some parents said the district’s delay in responding compounded the harm.
“It took nearly six days for the district to release a statement,” said parent Adrian Cooley. “That should have been addressed sooner. The delay made the pain even worse for families already struggling with what happened.”
Cooley, a Whitewater parent, also called the incident “emotional violence” and pressed for an apology to LaGrange High as well. “Black people are actually hurt by these images,” Cooley said. “We are owed an apology.”
Dr. Miriam Gwathney, a Tyrone physician and longtime resident, said the incident was “demoralizing” and called for mandatory cultural competency training. “Anytime you see something like this ingrained in children’s minds, it does damage,” she told the board.
Others urged systemic changes. Timoria McQueen Saba, a parent of two daughters, argued that the district’s own policies already prohibit hate symbolism. “If a student can be sent home for a skirt that’s too short, why isn’t blackface addressed the same way?” Saba said.
Differing accounts
Not all comments accused the school of neglect. A speaker reading a statement on behalf of one family said the face paint was tied to a “blackout” game theme and carried no racial intent. According to the statement, the individuals complied when told to remove the paint and apologized to anyone offended.
Still, former Fayette NAACP president Ken Bryant noted this was not the first such controversy. He cited a past photo of football players posing in a cotton field, saying sensitivity training is “needed in the worst way.”
Board divisions
The board itself showed some division. Member Dr. Regina Daigre, the only Black and female trustee, said she felt the weight of the incident “personally and professionally.” She urged education and respect over finger-pointing.
But Daigre also voted against approving Patterson’s annual priorities, citing a pattern of her recommendations being ignored. “My input is never accepted,” she said, underscoring a lack of trust in district leadership.
What comes next
The district pledged to consult with the NAACP on training and to review the code of conduct for gaps related to racially offensive behavior. Community members said they expect to see concrete changes, not just apologies.
Jackson and Pullen’s political ambitions have drawn attention, but residents stressed that the issue is bigger than elections. The board’s response will determine whether Fayette County schools can rebuild trust and provide an environment where all students feel safe, valued, and respected.
*Georgia State Rep. Derrick Jackson (District 68) called a press conference with leaders of the Fayette NAACP to address the blackface incident at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville.
*NAACP Vice President Quentin Pullen, President Kevin Pratt II and Rep. Derrick Jackson at the press conference Monday afternoon.
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