Outrage as whole class of boys pictured doing ‘Nazi salute’

A SHOCKING photo showing a class of schoolboys raising their arms in a sick Nazi salute has sparked outrage and a police probe.

The pic shows suited high school pupils performing the infamous pose ahead of a prom dance — while standing outside a court building.

It was posted on Twitter with the caption: "We even got the black kid to throw it up".

The snap has since been shared thousands of times — prompting school chiefs in the US district of Baraboo, Wisconsin, to launch an investigation.

Detectives from Baraboo Police Department are also probing the obscene pic — which was shared online on Sunday along with the hashtag "#barabooproud".

It shows around 50 teen boys laughing as their right arms are raised in the salute performed by fascists Hitler and Mussolini.

And at least one of the students appears to make a symbol with his hand that has been linked to the racist phrase "white power".

The photo was allegedly first posted online with a collection of other prom photos on the website of motorcycle photographer Peter Gust, according to local news site Madison365.

He has since removed the pics and posted a message in its place, saying: "Due malevolent behavior on the part of some in society; this page has been modified.

"It is too bad that there are those in society who can and do take the time to be jerks; knowingly and willingly to be jerks!

"The internet can be a wonderful tool but for some there is an overwhelming urge to destroy.

"The destruction may not be physical but instead it can be bullying that is intellectual or emotional. To anyone that was hurt I sincerely apologize."

But some of the boys can be seen neglecting to perform the pose.

One said he refused after the photographer asked the group to make the Nazi sign.

He told journalist Jules Suzdaltsev that he was "clearly uncomfortable" with the request but did not have time to get out of the shot.

In a statement given to Suzdaltsev, the schoolboy, who gives name as Jordan Blue, says: "The photographer took the photos telling us to make the sign.

"I knew what my morals were and it was not to salute something I firmly didn't believe in".

He also made allegations of widespread bullying at the school.

Suzdaltsev later tweeted: "I am being flooded with messages from students of this school about some of the guys in the group photo.

"It sounds like there is a lot of racist bullying and the school tends to do nothing about it."

School superintendent Dr. Lori Mueller said in a letter to parents today that the photo was taken earlier this year and shows Baraboo High School students "making extremely inappropriate gestures.”

She added that the pic was not taken on school property or at an event sponsored or organised by the school.

Baraboo High School said in a statement today: "The photo of students posted to #BarabooProud is not reflective of the educational values and beliefs of the School District of Baraboo.

"We are investigating and will pursue any and all available and appropriate actions, including legal, to address.”

Police said: "The Baraboo Police Department is aware of a controversial photo of a group of high school students that has been posted to social media.

"Officers are assisting the Baraboo School District with their investigation into this matter".

The photo has prompted a backlash from thousands of social media users and Holocaust memorial groups.

"This is why every single day we work hard to educate.

"We need to explain what is the danger of hateful ideology rising.

"Auschwitz with its gas chambers was at the very end of the long process of normalizing and accommodating hatred.

"If @barabooSD wishes to know more about what can be the extreme result of normalization of hatred - and hatred is enrolled in this symbol - please see some online lessons dedicated to the history of Auschwitz."

The "Welcome to Baraboo" Twitter account which posted the photo has since been set to private.