Students from the Amplifying Black Voices group at River Bluff High School attended a Lexington County School District One event on March 19 to demand an apology for and detail the impact of a Facebook post and comment made by a board member calling their Black History Month fashion show “disgusting” and “ghetto,” among other adjectives.

Discussions at Thursday night’s Community Conversations—a recurring event intended for parents and community members to ask board members questions and share concerns—teetered between passionate statements from students and parents regarding Board Member Kathryn McCown’s March 1 Facebook post and comment, and topics typical of Community Conversations events, such as electronic device use in schools and facility upgrades.

Students, however, were the first to speak when the school board gave community members the floor; they read statements on behalf of ABV, the group that threw the fashion show.

“As we celebrate our progress, culture, dignity and commitment to inclusivity on stage, we were publicly characterized with terms, disgusting, vulgar and ghetto,” one student said to the school board. “These comments made by the school board member was deeply distressing both as a student and a member of the community.”

After the conclusion of the students’ statements, discussions switched to business as usual until an attendee asked the board to finally address the ABV students.

“It’s making me uncomfortable that they’re sharing what their feelings are and we’re responding to everybody else, but no one is responding to them,” she said. “I am asking my school board to support these students today.”

Board members then addressed the students, commending them for showing up and making statements. Because protesters before the March 19 event had called for McCown to be removed from the board, some board members explained to the students that only the governor has the authority to do so if a law was broken.

“I’m sorry that you experienced this,” Board Member Mike Anderson said. “I don’t think that it was with ill intent that these comments were made. … Part of education is making mistakes and learning from those mistakes. … I’m asking you, let’s bury this, and I’m not talking about turning a blind eye to it.”

McCown and all board members were present, but McCown did not address the students until near the end of the event. Before also commending the students for attending and speaking, she said she was advised to speak at the beginning, but decided to wait until after hearing what the students and parents had to say.

“It was not my intention to cause hurt or target any group of students. My focus was on addressing concerns that were brought to me regarding what took place during the event and whether it reflected the standards we want upheld in our schools,” she said, reading a prepared statement. “Looking back, I would ensure that my words reflected those concerns in a more measured and thoughtful way. At the same time, I will continue to take seriously my role in listening to families and raising questions when concerns are brought forward.

“It really truly was not my intention to make you feel hurt or make you feel singled out, or for this ever to become any kind of racial issue. … I hope that you can accept my words as an apology to you for the hurt feelings.”

Another student then spoke up, reiterating the impact of McCown’s Facebook post, and said she would like to hear McCown say the words, “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry,” McCown then said.

Fynale Barnwell and her 18-year-old daughter, Marissa, who is a part of ABV, addressed the board multiple times during the event.

“It’s very performative,” Fynale said of McCown’s apology.

“There still needs to be accountability held for her actions,” Fynale told the Chronicle. “If a student did something like this, they may apologize and say they’re sorry, but … they’re not going to just get a pass like that.”

Here’s a timeline detailing what happened leading up to the March 19 Community Conversations event:

Friday, Feb. 20: River Bluff High School students hold a fashion show for Black History Month

An Instagram post from the school on Feb. 25 says students turned the gym into a runway for a fashion show.

“The show was an amazing performance put together. Celebrating culture, confidence, and excellence right here at school.”

Twenty-five students are shown in a group photo, and other photos and videos accompany the post.

“Students and staff came together through learning, creativity, and community to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Black leaders and communities,” the high school posted on Facebook in early March. “From our Black History Month Cultural Showcase and gallery walk, to a career fair, a student Kickback & Relax event celebrating culture through food and music, beautiful library displays, a student fashion show, and students reading to local elementary schools.”

March 1: McCown posts on her Facebook page, Katie McCown for Lexington One School Board, criticizing the fashion show

It has since been deleted, but McCown’s post said the following, indicating that before the post was edited, it contained pictures of students at the fashion show:

“*Pictures Removed out of respect to a request from a family. Let me be clear, twerking, throwing money and unapproved dress code is not indicative of the culture of RBHS or Lexington District 1*** Today, I was made aware of an event held at RBHS related to Black History Month. I am writing to you in my dual role as a member of the Lexington One Board of Education and as a parent, with serious concerns about what occurred. The presentation, which was meant to honor African-American culture, devolved into a disgraceful display that was both disgusting and disrespectful to the students, families, and the community we serve. Children modeled clothing that was blatantly inappropriate for a school setting and totally against dress code. Cash was tossed onto the stage in a manner that reduced a serious cultural celebration to a grotesque spectacle. This conduct is an affront to the dignity of our students and undermines the very values of respect and inclusivity that our district strives to instill. Let me be absolutely clear: such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We owe our students an environment that is safe, respectful, and genuinely reflective of the rich heritage we aim to celebrate. I assure you that I am pursuing who to hold accountable and those who permitted this lapse in judgment and to prevent any recurrence. As a member of the board, I would like to see future celebrations of Black History Month-and all cultural observances-conducted with the respect, dignity, and reverence they deserve.”

In a comment, McCown additionally wrote, “It's a shame though all that will be addressed is dress code violations when this whole thing is such a disgusting display of their history. A great teaching moment would be to explain how they could have dressed as their actual heritage did/does and perhaps educated others on where African people come from. It's embarrassing to our district when we claim excellence that there are adults in the room championing this type of vulgar and ghetto behavior - throwing money and ‘twerking!’”

A change.org petition was soon created, called “Katie McCown MUST Go!” It had 578 signatures as of the morning of March 20.

Friday, March 6: Special called meeting agenda published detailing “Receipt of Legal Advice Regarding Board Member Conduct”

On March 6, Lexington One notified the public of a special called meeting for Monday, March 9, at 5:15 p.m. The agenda listed “Receipt of Legal Advice Regarding Board Member Conduct” under executive session. The agenda did not detail which board member the item was referring to.

“Public bodies may receive legal advice behind closed doors when it relates to a pending claim, the position of the public body in an adversarial matter or any matter covered by attorney client privilege,” according to the South Carolina Press Association’s website. “Before a public body may go into a closed meeting (also known as Executive Session), it must approve a motion in open session, stating the specific purpose of the closed meeting and identifying the specific exemption that covers the topic. A general reference such as ‘personnel matters’ is not sufficient.”

Monday, March 9: Protestors show up for the special-called meeting, calling for McCown to be removed from the school board

Two Lexington One school board members, McKenzie Flashnick and Nicholas C. Pizzuti, posted on Facebook that they would not be attending the meeting, using almost identical wording.

“Tonight there is a special called board meeting. I have decided not to attend,” a post from McKenzie Flashnick for Lexington One School Board read. “My decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any action or inaction by fellow board members. Rather, it reflects my belief that any actions taken by the board should be handled in a manner that is fully consistent with our policies, the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, and the responsibilities entrusted to us by the public. I remain committed to serving all members of our Lexington District One community.”

The special-called meeting was not officially held since the minimum number of board members needed to conduct the meeting was not present.

Three board members, Beth Shealy, Chris Rice and Chair Kathy Henson, showed up, but more members would have had to show up for the meeting to officially occur. Superintendent Keith Price was also present. Flashnick, Anderson, Pizzuti and McCown were not present.

Protestors held signs outside the Lexington One administrative building on Tarrar Springs Road, calling for McCown’s removal from the board.

“Individual board members may express personal opinions, however, those views may not represent the position of Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees or Lexington County School District One,” Henson told the public after stating the meeting could not be held because there was not a quorum present. “Students, employees, families and community members have expressed concerns, frustration and hurt over comments made by an individual member.”

She also stated that the purpose of the March 9 meeting was to receive legal advice in executive session regarding board member conduct.

“Specifically,” she said, “the legal advice would have pertained to potential claims that have been covered under attorney-client privilege in regards to the school board’s legal authority and liability when responding to the conduct of an individual board member.”

Henson also stated she does not “have any information to share regarding whether or not this matter will be added to a future agenda.”

Wednesday, March 11: McCown’s name is included in a new statement from Henson

While McCown’s name was not included in Henson’s March 9 statement, it was included in a statement from Henson provided to the Chronicle by a Lexington One spokesperson on March 11.

The full statement started off similar to what Henson said on March 9, but additionally included the following, including McCown’s name specifically:

“In Lexington One, our district’s Graduate Profile calls on us to develop thoughtful communicators, respectful collaborators and responsible citizens. We strive to model those same values when we engage with one another as a community.

Addressing issues requires listening, thoughtful reflection and constructive dialogue. Honest conversations help us grow as a community and strengthen our understanding of one another. Even when emotions run high, our words should reflect the respect and care we expect from every member of the Lexington One community.

Board Policy BDD affirms the governance structure of the district. The superintendent is responsible for administering the district and working with school and district leaders to address concerns related to school or district activities or operations. When concerns arise, the appropriate process is for board members to notify the superintendent so that district administration can review the matter and address it with the school or district personnel.

A social media post and comments made by Board Member Katie McCown are not aligned with the above expectations or Board Policy BDD. The district has received communication pertaining to potential legal claims regarding these matters.

The Board of Trustees remains committed to working together respectfully and constructively as we serve the students, families and employees of Lexington County School District One and continue our shared mission of guiding all students to learn, grow and excel.”

A Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees regularly scheduled meeting is on the calendar for Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. The agenda for the meeting has not been released as of this story’s publication. The meeting will be held at the Central Services Auditorium, located at 100 Tarrar Springs Rd. in Lexington.

Lexington County School District One serves over 26,000 students across 32 schools.

McCown was elected in 2022. Her term expires in 2026.