Trail of Tears banner put up during football game in Alabama.

A principal at a public high school in Alabama apologized after students put up an offensive "Trail of Tears 2" banner during a football game on Friday.

Tod Humphries, the principal at McAdory High School, said the sign wasn't approved by administrators and shouldn't have been displayed.

"Please accept our sincere apologies to the Native American people and to anyone who was offended by the reference to an event that is a stain on our nation’s past forever," Humphries said in an apology posted on the school's website.

Stephen Nowlin, the superintendent for Jefferson County Schools, also said the cheerleading squad, whose members were reportedly responsible for the sign, will be "disciplined." He ordered all social studies teachers to include a lesson about the real Trail of Tears and the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

"We can use this unfortunate event as an important teachable moment," Nowlin said on the district's website. "We apologize to all Native Americans and to any person who was offended."

The photo was originally posted on a tumblr account that has since been deactivated.

Get the Story:
Inappropriate “Trail of Tears” Sign Brings Discipline to Cheerleading Squad (Native News Online 11/18)
Alabama principal apologizes for 'Trail of Tears' banner at high school football game (ABC News 11/18)
McAdory High School will be 'disciplined' for 'Trail of Tears' banner, Jeffco Superintendent says (ALLive 11/18)
McAdory High School apologizes for Trail of Tears sign (WBRC 11/18)