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Students Dress Up As Mexican Stereotypes For Senior Spirit Day At OC High School

ANAHEIM HILLS (CBSLA.com) — During Senior Spirit Day at Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills, boys dressed up as gardeners and gang members, and one girl dressed as a pregnant woman, pushing a baby stroller.

Other students dressed in "Border Patrol" T-shirts and were photographed "arresting" their fellow students dressed as gang members.

The high school's "Senores and Senoras" day offended a former student, Jared Garcia-Kessler, who graduated in 2011 and decided to file a formal complaint after finding out the event was held again.

"I was in awe. I really couldn't believe that the school let it get that far," Garcia-Kessler said.

The complaint prompted an internal investigation by the Orange Unified School District, which canceled the event.

"It was determined that some students dressed in stereotypical fashion which was not appropriate and that the actions of these students was demeaning and offensive. The District is committed to working with the staff and students of Canyon High School to ensure a positive school climate and culture in all school activities," Superintendent Michael L. Christensen said in a statement.

Derek Buendia says he dressed up for "Senores and Senoras" day and doesn't want it to be canceled.

"I'm Mexican American, and I didn't take offense to it, you know – I thought it was hilarious. I thought it was really funny and it was just, honestly, just a joke. It was just good clean fun," Buendia said.

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