A Fort Langley school principal has issued an apology after a photo of him in blackface surfaced on social media over the weekend.
Jon Bonnar was vice-principal at the Langley Fine Arts School in 2007 when the incident took place. In a statement issued by the school on June 25, he writes that he was in blackface up as part of a Halloween costume where he and the school's principal dressed up as each other.
"This happened and it never should have. It was wrong," writes Bonnar.
"I understand how offensive it is to appear in blackface, and how it diminishes and demeans members of our black community. I also recognize that it is just one symbol of a long history of racism throughout our society. I take responsibility for my actions, recognizing I come from a privileged position in our society and that as a Caucasian person in a position of authority I should never have put myself in this position."
Bonnar adds that he is "deeply sorry" and that he is committed to learning and getting better.
On Instagram, Black Vancouver shared an image of Bonnar in blackface as well as a conversation with a former student at the LFAS who says the photo appeared in the school yearbook. A couple of other comments allege that Bonnar, "profiled young black children" and that he defended a guest speaker who was, "associating thugs with basically black men."
On June 27, Superintendent Gord Stewart issued a statement on racism to the Langley school district. He states that Vice-Principal Jon Bonnar, who is white, dressed up as the Principal, who is black.
"The fact is, that never should have occurred. Regardless of the principal dressing up in whiteface, that is no excuse," writes Stewart.
"Dressing in whiteface does not carry the same history, emotion, and racist connotations as blackface. On behalf of the Langley School District, I unreservedly apologize to our entire school community, but particularly those that are marginalized and face challenges that those raised in privileged environments do not."
Stewart adds that the district takes full responsibility and accountability for the incident.
In response to the other allegations raised about Bonnar's conduct, Stewart writes: "A number of social media posts make other allegations about experiences in our schools. We will not be responding through social media, but if anyone has specific, first-hand information to bring to our attention, I invite them to reach out to us at [email protected]."
