Parents outraged by apparent mock slave auction held by Barrington HS students

BARRINGTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Parents of students at Kenwood Academy on the South Side said they watched an act of racism this past weekend during an event meant to bring students from Chicago and the suburbs together.

They said students from suburban Barrington High School held a mock slave auction in an attempt to show school spirit.

Video of the skit shows a chain around the neck of one student. The Kenwood parents sitting in the audience said they couldn't believe what they saw.

The apparent mock slave auction took place during the Illinois Junior Classical Convention at The Westin in Itasca this weekend.

The Kenwood parents call it an open display of racism and are deeply offended.

The Barrington school district apologized in a statement saying, "We understand the concern and are reviewing the incident with students and staff who were involved."

In response, the National Junior Classical League released a statement Monday morning that read: "The National Junior Classical League along with its parent organization the American Classical League regret to hear of the incident which took place this weekend at the Illinois Junior Classical League Convention. We echo the apologies issued by the Illinois JCL as well as the sponsor, the students, and the school district involved. This incident in no way reflects the values we have as an organization which seeks to promote the study of Latin, Classics, and the Ancient World. The NJCL is predicated upon the values of brotherhood, friendship, scholarship, and inclusion. We deeply apologize for the hurt this incident has caused."