LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Officials at Walt Disney World said Friday that a performance by a visiting Texas high school drill team that used American Indian stereotypes, including chants of “scalp them," doesn't reflect the Florida resort's values.
The performance this week in the Magic Kingdom by the “Indianettes" drill team from Port Neches-Grove High School “did not reflect our core values, and we regret it took place," Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler said in an emailed statement.
An audition tape that the school had provided in order to be selected to perform at the theme park resort was inconsistent with the actual performance, the statement said.
Wahler said new measures have been implemented to prevent that from happening again. She did not elaborate.
In a video of the performance posted on Twitter, members of the drill team are seen tapping their hands over their mouths and whooping, as a drum pounds in the background, in what is stereotypically called a “war cry.”
Port Neches is located near the Gulf Coast about 13 miles southeast of Beaumont, Texas.
Before the parade started, the performers were told not to wear their headdresses, according to Port-Neches Groves Assistant Superintendent Julie Gauthier.
Gauthier told 12News she's aware of the concerns regarding the performance of the band and Indianettes at Walt Disney World.
"We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our school district. Our district is nearing 100 years old and our board of trustees is committed to always making the best decisions for our students, staff, and the communities of Port Neches and Groves," she said.