JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A photo of a Jacksonville high school principal making an obscene gesture has gone viral on social media.
The photo taken on school property shows Ed White Principal Jason Bloom pointing his finger in an offensive manner.
A Duval County Public Schools spokeswoman confirmed the person in the photo is Bloom, and said he reported it to district administration Wednesday morning.
"The photo was taken without his knowledge or consent during an informal administrative gathering in his office outside of school hours," the spokeswoman said in a statement to News4Jax."No students were present when the photo was taken, and it is unclear how students accessed the photograph."
Parents expressed displeasure with the picture of Bloom, some saying they expect school leaders to be good role models.
"I couldn't believe he did such a thing," said one parent, who wished to remain unnamed. "He's supposed to be a leader, but he's sending this type of message to ... students. I just don't get it. It doesn't make any sense."
The mother said she was speechless when her daughter showed her the photo Wednesday afternoon.
"He shouldn't have done anything, especially when it's inside the school," she said. "I don't know how they are going to continue to let him be principal."
Other parents share similar thoughts, saying they're unsure whether Bloom is fit to lead their children.
"Mr. Bloom takes full responsibility for his actions and understands how this reflects on him personally and the entire Ed White School community. Our district has expected standards for professional conduct for all of our employees, including administrators," the district spokeswoman wrote in the statement.
The school district said it will review the incident and will handle it in accordance with school board protocols.