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Work continues in Baraboo after controversial photo

Residents organized a community meeting Thursday
Posted at 9:39 PM, Nov 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-15 22:39:24-05

Work continues in the city of Baraboo to address a now-viral photo of high school students. 

The photo taken at junior prom in the spring shows many teens with their right arm raised in what appears to be a Nazi salute. 

Residents organized a community meeting Thursday night to come up with ideas on how to move forward from the controversy in a positive way. 

Dozens attended the meeting held at the city's civic center, after the photo received international attention. 

"We should try to use this as a call to action," said Alex Paulson who led Thursday's meeting. "These behaviors and this moment should be seen as a moment of reflection for the community."

The photo started making its rounds on social media Sunday night but was soon after taken down. 

It immediately sparked outrage and concern among citizens and even drew criticism from prominent Jewish organizations.

"Baraboo has an opportunity to use this moment as a catalyst to become a leader for truth, reconciliation and justice," said Paulson. 

The Baraboo School District has also planned a three-part program it says will address healing and learning. The first meeting takes place Monday and will be led by a rabbi from Madison.