BARABOO, WI (WSAU) -- The students at Baraboo High School caught making what appears to be a Nazi salute during a pre-Prom photo won't be punished by the school district.
In a letter to parents that was obtained by madison.com, Administrator Lori Mueller said the District's 10-day investigation couldn't find any conclusive evidence that the boys in the photo were attempting to imitate the gesture, seen by many as a sign of white supremacy. Mueller added that with no conclusive evidence, the school is in no position to punish the boys because of their first-amendment free speech rights.
“As previously stated, we cannot know the intentions in the hearts of those who were involved,” said Mueller in the letter.
The photo was taken just before Prom last spring on the steps of the Sauk County Courthouse. It was taken by a parent who was not hired by the district to handle Prom photos. Both current and former students are seen in the image.
It didn't become viral until early November when it was screenshotted by some National Blogs, sparking outrage and even prompting a response from the Auschwitz Memorial museum in Poland. The Twitter account that posted the photo, @GoBaraboo, has since been made private.
In the weeks since the photo became public, the students in it have reported receiving threats of violence or death.
As a result of the photo, the school district will be hosting a series of forums to address concerns of racism and to repair its relationship with the community. Last week more than 200 people reportedly attended the first of those forums. The next will take place Tuesday at the Baraboo City Hall and will offer the opportunity for public comments.
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