ELK CITY, Okla. – An Oklahoma agriculture teacher is under investigation after he allegedly presented a black co-worker with a Confederate flag and white robe at a recent awards ceremony.

Larry Long was honored for nearly 49 years of teaching agriculture at Elk City High School during the annual Oklahoma Career and Technology Education Summer Conference at the Cox Convention Center on Aug. 2, but his actions afterwards is drawing more attention than his accolades, News OK reports.

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While receiving his award, Long allegedly called a black colleague to the stage, where he presented the teacher with the flag and robe as a joke, though most folks didn’t seem to think it was very funny.

The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus demanded that school officials remove Long from any government boards or commissions, as well as a full investigation into the incident.

“We cannot allow this type of incident to take place under the authority of a state-funded entity,” state Sen. Kevin Mathews, chairman of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, told the news site last week. “As we gain the facts … we immediately began dialogue with the director of the CareerTech.”

“ … (I)t was supposed to be some kind of a joke, but I haven’t talked to anyone that can see anything funny about that,” Matthews told KOSU.

CareerTech spokeswoman Paula Bowles told the site officials are investigating the incident to ensure something similar doesn’t happen again.

“It was deplorable. We don’t tolerate it. It’s unacceptable,” Bowles said. “It was one incident, but we are taking it very seriously. It is not representative of the CareerTech system.”

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Ironically, Elk City Public Schools decided in May to name the district’s agriculture building after Long, who retired last school year at 70 years old, with decades of service in the department. At the summer conference, Long was presented with the National Association of Agriculture Educator’s outstanding service award. He had worked with the black colleague for several years, News OK reports.

An anonymous letter tipped off media to Long’s allegedly racist actions, and described the crowd’s reaction.

“Mr. Long was expected to make a few short comments, but instead rambled on for close to an hour and made several shocking statements. … He made several derogatory comments about African-Americans, homosexuals, and women. Mr. Long is a product of the past and seemed to seize this as his last opportunity to let everyone know how he really feels about African-Americans and women in agricultural teaching positions,” the letter read, according to KFOR.

The letter continues:

He went so far as to present the gift of a KKK sheet and hood to one African-American in the room…He gave another teacher a gift of pig manure and made comments on how one person dressed gay…Most people in the room were in shock and offended by his comments and actions. Several got up and left.

Long also issued a public apology for his actions:

I want to apologize for my actions at the Career Tech meeting on Aug. 2 in Oklahoma City. 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.

I have requested a meeting with the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. It is my hope to work with them to ensure this incident will be used as a learning tool for other teachers. It is vitally important to recruit and retain more minorities into agriculture. I have nothing but the greatest respect for the Oklahoma Career Tech System and our minority teachers. I offer the public my deepest and sincerest apology for what happened and my behavior.

KFOR reports that Elk City Public Schools is now reconsidering the decision to name its agriculture building after Long.