Franklin High School of Milwaukee has made headlines after "white" and "colored" signs were placed over two hallway water fountains causing a group of local organizations to demand action from school officials.

According to Fox 6, photos of the racist signs began circulating on social media Monday. The signs paid homage to Jim Crow-era segregation, and students didn't find it cool or amusing.

“I took this picture today at school,” student Jacob Romanski wrote in a Facebook post. “The principal was notified immediately, and I made sure this kid got into trouble. I really don’t want to see this again.”

This incident sheds light on the intense racial climate at the high school and reflects the climate in America climate, as well. Students say this isn’t the first time this has happened.

Junior Bria Smith said that many black students at the school have been racially profiled.

"There have been lots of situations where we have been racially profiled," Smith said. "It's kind of scary to go to a school where people still have the mindset."

Smith's older sister, Amber, a Franklin alum, also spoke out on the situation.

"I know the whole school is not bad; the whole city of Franklin is not bad. It's just individuals that take this stuff lightly," she said. "It's not funny. It hurts people."

Franklin High principal Michael Vuolo has since released a letter addressing the incident. He makes clear that the student who did this has been identified and they are "addressing the student's behavior."

"This act was in no way part of any school project, curriculum, or initiative," the letter reads. "This was an individual act of student behavior. Franklin High School administration is aware of a photo showing this racist imagery and comments circulating on social media in and outside of our community. Campus safety is a priority. We work closely with the Franklin Police Department to ensure our community is safe."

"Franklin High School values each and every one of our students. This act of intolerance by an individual does not represent the values of Franklin High School or the approximately 1,700 people who teach and learn here every day," Vuolo continued in the letter. "The display was offensive, hurtful, and wrong. As a school community, we have a responsibility to treat one another with kindness, respect, empathy, and compassion."

The incident caught the attention of the NAACP Milwaukee Branch, League of United Latin American Citizens of Wisconsin, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the groups said they were deeply concerned about what had transpired and called on the district to be more proactive in preventing such incidents.

The three organizations wrote in a joint statement, "While we appreciate that administrators issued a statement disavowing this despicable action, the incident demonstrates the need for the school and the district to take immediate and ongoing action to make the school more inclusive and respectful of different cultures," according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"Unfortunately, Franklin High School, like many schools and districts, does not recognize or celebrate the federal holiday recognizing the achievements of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We ask that the district consider changing that policy. Today’s action highlights the urgency of taking actions to ensure that the school celebrates tolerance and inclusion as part of its curriculum and culture."

Until we end racism, incidents like this will continue to occur.

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