School leaders apologize for controversial 'white guilt' video

HENRICO, VA (WWBT) - School leaders apologized on Wednesday for a controversial video slammed by parents in Henrico.

The YouTube video, titled "Structural Discrimination: The Unequal Opportunity Race," was shown to students at a Glen Allen High School Black History month program, but left some parents outraged.

Now, Henrico School Board Chairman Micky Ogburn is apologizing and says the county is revisiting the diversity efforts.

"We are making every effort to respond to our community. It is our goal to prevent the recurrence of this type of event. School leaders have been instructed not to use the video in our schools," said Ogburn. "In addition, steps are being taken to prevent the use of racially divisive materials in the future. We do apologize to those who were offended and for the unintended impact on our community."

The video was played during student assemblies at Glen Allen High School on February 4. Since then numerous people have called and emailed to complain.  Superintendent Pat Kinlaw says the school district is continuing its review.

"While we as educators do not object to difficult and constructive conversations about American history and racial discourse past and present, we understand why many people feel this video in particular was not the best way to deliver such an important lesson," said Kinlaw. "The school division has heard the feedback from our community loud and clear, and we will take additional measures as needed to review instructional material on an ongoing basis."

Kinlaw continued by calling the county "beautifully diverse" and saying the controversy will help the county shape its efforts to promote cultural understanding."

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