STILLWATER, Okla. — Larry Long, a retired Oklahoma agriculture teacher who ignited controversy with racially charged actions at last week’s Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education conference, has apologized.

Long, an award-winning teacher who retired after 41 years, was being honored by his peers at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education conference when he presented a black agriculture teacher with items commonly associated with the Ku Klux Klan, including a white robe and hood, in front of an audience of about 500. 

He released a statement to the media Thursday evening that suggested it was a joke gone wrong.

“I want to apologize for my actions at the CareerTech meeting on Aug. 2 in Oklahoma City,” Long said in the statement. “While there, I attempted to make a joke with a colleague whom I respect and admire. I have apologized to him personally but that is not enough. I want to take this opportunity to apologize publicly and state that my conduct was highly inappropriate.

“I never intended to convey any racist actions or comments. I realize now that what I said and did was harmful, offensive and hurtful. I have always been committed to teaching students equality, fairness and justice. I am deeply sorry that my actions have brought these values into question.”

Long’s name graces the Elk City, Oklahoma Public Schools Agriculture Building.

However, superintendent Rick Garrison released a statement Thursday stating he will recommend rescinding the building’s name at the next Board of Education meeting at noon Wednesday.

“While the building was named for a retired employee, we do not condone the actions made by the former employee during a recent CareerTech ceremony,” Garrison said in a statement. “We feel the seriousness of those actions do not align with the district’s philosophy.

“It is imperative that the leaders of this school district set an example we want all of our students to follow and model; creating a culture of respect and appreciation of differences that serves all students, staff and community.”

On Thursday, Long said he will meet with members of the state’s Legislative Black Caucus, who were publicly critical of his actions, calling it “deplorable.” Sen. Kevin Matthews, chairman of the Black Caucus said, “It’s what happens when you don’t have diversity at the decision-making level when planning an event like that.”

“It is my hope to work with (the Black Caucus) to ensure this incident will be used as a learning tool for other teachers,” Long said. “It is vitally important to recruit and retain more minorities into agriculture. I have nothing but the greatest respect for the Oklahoma CareerTech System and our minority teachers. I offer the public my deepest and sincerest apology for what happened and my behavior.”

Steckley writes for the Stillwater, Oklahoma News Press.