In 2017, some students at a Catholic School in Mountain View, California, were wrongfully expelled. They were expelled for what staff believed to be an attempt to recreate the racially controversial blackface. However, the students were wrongfully accused and received a $1 million settlement.
Blackface Leads to Trouble
In 2017, a photo of 3 boys, friends, and schoolmates circulated the internet as people were outraged to see the 14-year-olds making such a heartless mockery of something deemed a massive dark spot in U.S. history. However, it seems there was a misunderstanding, and the boys were merely supporting a friend struggling with acne.
The boys went to Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California. According to the school’s website, they offer “the finest college preparatory education.” And “foster growth in all aspects of students’ lives, committed to enriching the mind and heart.” The boys, 14 at the time, posted the picture in 2017, yet it wasn’t a controversy until 2020.
Going Viral During Controversy
In 2020, an intense year for the world, COVID-19 was rampant, and so was the fight for racial equity. Therefore, the picture, seemingly portraying the students in blackface, went viral, and the students were expelled. Although their identities have been concealed, the boys caused quite a stir in their community, and their wrongful suspension has only prolonged the discussion.
According to the students, the blackface resulted from an acne-treating mask that starts light green but becomes dark green when dried. Pair that with the lighting, and it created the perfect aesthetic to lead those running the school to believe there was a heartless blackface prank at play.
Blackface Misconceptions
The Santa Clara County Court evaluated the events earlier this week, determining the misunderstanding was just that—a misunderstanding rather than a cruel attempt to make light of something as hurtful as portraying blackface. The court established that the boys hadn’t been “granted due process” before they were expelled. As a result, the pair will each get $500,000 and their $70,000 tuition reimbursed. One of the teen’s attorneys, Krista Baughman, commented on the victory. “This case is significant not only for our clients but for its groundbreaking effect on all private high schools in California, which are now legally required to provide fair procedure to students before punishing or expelling them.” She explained. “The jury rightly confirmed that Saint Francis High School’s procedures were unfair to our clients and that the school is not above the law.”
Unsurprisingly, the boys who were accused of imitating blackface had initially filed a lawsuit for $20 million accusing the school of “defamation” and “a violation of free speech.” While the pair weren’t given everything they hoped for, their victory is seemingly a happy day for their families and attorneys.
Meanwhile, the school has “respectfully disagreed” with the court’s decision and is currently exploring its legal options, which include the option to appeal the court’s decision. “We want to sincerely thank the jury and the court system for helping our boys and our families find justice, which now paves the way for their names to be cleared for things they never did.” According to a statement shared by one of the boy’s families.
Incredible Skincare
The blackface mask was part of an incredible skincare line called Origins. The brand has numerous acne-fighting and skin-repairing products that range from oil control to firming and brightening the skin. Origins started in the 1980’s and became popular because of their “natural approach” to skin care. The company revolutionized plant-based skincare and now has retailers all over the world.
With racial tension seemingly prominent all over the country, it’s unsurprising that a photo of people wearing blackface would be misinterpreted. Alternatively, charcoal has become a popular ingredient in beauty products from teeth-whitening paste to acne-treating charcoal masks. As such, it will likely continue to be seen, particularly in the world of beauty.