HOUSTON — Nimitz High School band students were instructed to return a shirt titled “The Trial” after parents and students raised complaints about its design.

Dr. Matthews said she was in New Orleans yesterday when students and family members contacted her about the shirt. Dr. Matthews then posted an image of the shirt on social media.

At 8:24 p.m. yesterday, Nimitz High School band director Emilio Reyna sent a message directing every student who received a shirt to return it, according to a message Dr. Matthews read during a press conference.

The message said the shirts would not be used for the season and school officials were working to resolve the issue. Dr. Matthews also read another message attributed to Reyna stating the band was working on new show shirts and needed the current shirts returned.

Dr. Matthews said students reported paying for the shirts and questioned whether refunds would be issued.

During the press conference this morning, Dr. Matthews displayed the back of the shirt and pointed out that the artwork appeared to show figures wearing top hats watching the scene. Quanell X described the artwork as depicting a Black person with dreadlocks tied to a post and burning at the stake.

Quanell X said parents and some Black students had objected to the shirt but were allegedly told it would still be required.

Dr. Matthews and Quanell X questioned who approved the design. They demanded the firings of the band director and principal, an apology to students, parents and the community, and the removal of every shirt.

Quanell X said community members would attend a football game if the shirts were used. Dr. Matthews and Quanell X also called on Aldine ISD administrators and board members to explain how the design was approved.

An explanation for the design and information about possible refunds were not provided during the press conference.