A former student's concerns
Katie Denham, a former Wellston student, told KOKH that she faced racial harassment while attending school. She said she was sent to the principal's office and nearly suspended after reacting to it, and that her mother took her out of school for six months. Denham said the situation had not improved when she returned. She also argued that online apologies were insufficient and that those involved should be held accountable, especially if current students took part.
The district's response and what remains undisclosed
Wellston Public Schools said the Halloween gathering took place off campus and was not sponsored by the district. Superintendent Dr. Susan Wray said the district did not condone the behavior and described the images as “disappointed and heartbroken,” according to News9.
The district has not publicly confirmed whether any students were disciplined or announced specific measures. In its response to questions, it cited the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, as reported by KOKH and News9. Those reports do not establish whether disciplinary action occurred.
The gathering
News9 reported that photos from the 2026 Halloween gathering showed current and former students dressed as Ku Klux Klan members. KOKH's reporting described three people appearing in Klan costumes. The details about the images and the people involved remain based on those outlets' reporting.
