Colts, school respond to offensive photo of students, Colts cheerleaders

RUSSIAVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — A local principal and superintendent are responding after an offensive social media post by a high school student.

A student at Western High School in Russiaville is accused of calling an Indianapolis Colts cheerleader a racial slur.

The allegation stems from a photo posted to social media of two high school football players alongside two Colts cheerleaders. The caption reads: “Of course Mason put me next to the n—–.”

The photo reportedly originated with a Western High School senior.

Principal Rick Davis responded almost immediately.

“Highly offended & disgusted by a hateful post by 1 of our students,” Davis tweeted. “Totally unacceptable & it will be addressed. Deepest apologies to all.”

When reached for comment, the school corporation issued the following statement:

We were made aware of the racist post this evening. This type of behavior is extremely offensive, unacceptable and disgraceful, and will not be tolerated at Western School Corporation. I apologize profusely on behalf of the school corporation and can promise this matter will be addressed immediately.

School officials have not said if the student will face discipline.

The Indianapolis Colts sent out this statement:

The Colts organization is appalled and saddened that one of our cheerleaders was subjected to a racial slur after what had been a tremendous community involvement function earlier this week. We acknowledge the young man’s apology and take him at his word that he has learned that thoughtless and hurtful acts can have severe consequences. The Colts do not tolerate any member of our organization being subjected to any form of bigotry and will take every reasonable precaution to protect our people from such misconduct.