Indiana College Fires Three White Employees for Posing on Parody Rap Album Cover

Fired.

Indiana’s Grace College and Seminary has fired three employees after they dressed up as rappers for a spoof album cover.

On June 2, the college’s marketing department held a weekly theme day for its employees, dubbed “wrap day.” People were encouraged to wear rapper clothing.

Getting into the spirit of things, five employees posed for the parody rap album cover.

The ensuing photograph shows them dressed as rappers, with one apparently wearing an Afro wig and another one sporting “Thug Life” knuckles. The term “N.G.A.” also appears in the picture.

But some social media commentators slammed the image, calling the group “white privileged,” IndyStar reported.

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Following the outrage, three employees were fired.

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Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip released a statement following the firings, claiming the picture was “insensitive and inappropriate”.

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From President Katip’s statement:

It is important for the public to know that Grace College is committed deeply to diversity and inclusiveness, and conduct that demonstrates insensitivity to these values will not be tolerated.

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This incident has initiated a reexamination of the policies and training at Grace related to diversity and inclusion. While we strive to create a welcoming environment, it is apparent that we can and must do more to help ensure people of all backgrounds are treated with respect and feel welcomed on our campus.