Raffles Institution student disciplined for dressing up as dark-skinned delivery rider on Racial Harmony Day

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SINGAPORE: Raffles Institution (RI) has taken disciplinary action against a student who dressed as a dark-skinned delivery rider on Racial Harmony Day, said its principal on Thursday (Jul 25).

A photo of the student wearing a mask with the face of a dark-skinned man, along with long-sleeved foodpanda uniform made its rounds on Reddit on Wednesday, and the thread quickly garnered reactions online.

The photo was captioned: "What RI students wore for Racial Harmony Day".

In response to queries from CNA, RI's principal Aaron Loh said the student who was "dressed inappropriately" had taken the photo "as part of current trends around social media memes involving a basketballer".

"He had no intention to make fun of any group or community," he added.

The students had earlier been advised that they could dress in traditional ethnic attire for the Racial Harmony Day if they would like to, said Mr Loh.

The students involved have been counselled to remind them of the importance of being sensitive to the feelings of others, and to be mindful of their actions, he added.

CNA has reached out to RI for more information, such as the details of the disciplinary action taken against the student.

In 2020, an old photo of a group of RI students in blackface was resurfaced on social media, drawing backlash online.

In the photo taken in 2016, a student believed to be of South Asian descent was surrounded by 10 others who donned black beauty face masks.

One of the former RI students later issued an apology for the "stupidity and racist actions".