Twitter post of Baraboo High School(Photo: Screen grab)

The head of the baraboo school district issued a public apology Wednesday, September 14, 2011

And she voiced gratitude for the outpouring of anti-hate organizations and activists.

"District manager Lori Mueller wrote," Regardless of the details of the photo or the intentions in the hearts of those involved, the truth is that it has been described as hateful, frightening and disappointing.

"We are so sorry that the actions of some of our students are understandably and deeply hurt people around the world. imagine that an image like this exists in our modern day. "

The photographer, taken by a professional photographer and parent of one of the students, drew international condemnation this week after it went viral on social media.

The image shows about 60 Baraboo High School students standing on the steps of the Sauk County Courthouse before their May Prom. About 30 appear to be giving the Nazi salute and one, in the front row, is a three-fingered flashing.

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The social media discussion included posts, reportedly by current and educated students, describing the atmosphere where they were commonplace and administrators did not address them. The district did not appear to address a situation in 2012, when Baraboo High School Principal Bill Loss educated students on the connection between the Confederate flag and slavery.

Others discounted the idea that the students were engaging in a Nazi salute, and Pete Gust, the train-teacher-turned-photographer who shot the image, told the Associated Press that he had asked the teens to wave goodbye to their parents before heading off to prom.

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A parent who took a photo that shows about 60 Wisconsin high school boys giving what appears to be a Nazi salute says he just asked the youths to wave goodbye to their parents and that he takes the blame for the timing of the shot. (Nov 13)
AP

The latest incident comes amidst white nationalist rhetoric and organizations. Late last month, Baraboo residents and other Sauk County communities found their nationalist propaganda in their mailboxes, prompting some to mobilize against hate in their communities.

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Mueller issued her apology in a letter to parents and community members late Wednesday. She said the school has a moral responsibility to "create a culture in which racism is not tolerated and where every child is treated with respect and dignity."

She said the district is working with civic and faith leaders to organize a community and invited everyone to join.

"Together we have a school family, we will take this step at a time, and we will engage, learn and grow to be the Baraboo we all strive to be."

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