Students to get autographs even though yearbooks are delayed by ‘white nationalism’ hand gestures in photos

Students at Oak Park and River Forest High School will get to gather signatures even though their yearbooks are being delayed while administrators figure out how to scrub possible “white nationalism” hand gestures from photos in 1,750 yearbooks.

The school plans to distribute a “blank book for signatures” so students can get them signed by friends and teachers before school is out for summer, officials said in an email sent to students, staff and parents.

“The administration understands the importance of the yearbook to high school students, especially graduating seniors,” said Karin Sullivan, a school district spokeswoman. “We are working diligently to determine a solution and distribution date as quickly as possible. Be assured, we will be publishing the yearbook.”

Last week, administrators sent out an email announcing that distribution of yearbooks would be delayed after it was discovered “several” photographs in which students are seen making hand gestures “associated with white nationalism.” The discovery was made after the books had been delivered from the printer May 15, officials said.

The signature inserts — eight pages in total — are designed so that they can be glued into the yearbooks when they arrive, officials said.