WEST JORDAN — A part-time Copper Hills High School child care aide who posted a blackface image on her personal social media account is no longer employed by the Jordan School District.
A school district official confirmed the employee’s last date of employment was Thursday but declined to say whether the worker was terminated or resigned. She had worked at the school since Aug. 17.
According to an earlier statement from the high school, “The part-time aide responsible for a recent Facebook post on a personal account was immediately removed from her position at Copper Hills High School and placed on leave. The school and district are conducting a thorough investigation into this incident. We follow district procedures and protocols in dealing with personnel matters involving disciplinary action.”
The statement also said the “school stands for respect and inclusion where all are free to learn and work in a safe, welcoming environment.”
It continues: “Copper Hills High School does not tolerate or condone racism in any form.”
Portrayals of blackface — when people darken their skin with shoe polish, greasepaint or burnt cork, and paint on enlarged lips and other exaggerated features — are steeped in centuries of racism, according to history.com.
“It peaked in popularity during an era in the United States when demands for civil rights by recently emancipated slaves triggered racial hostility. And today, because of blackface’s historic use to denigrate people of African descent, its continued use is still considered racist,” the website states.
Child care centers in Jordan District high schools primarily serve the children of district employees, but they are also teaching labs for high school students interested in child-related careers. Students can earn child development associate credentials.
At Copper Hills High School, the center is known as Grizz Kids, a spin on the school mascot, the Grizzlies.