South Dakota High School Rodeo Club Cancels Slave Auction Amid Outrage
KEY POINTS Slave Auctions have existed in South Dakota for over a decade
Club members are auctioned off to serve the highest bidder
A rodeo club in Faith, South Dakota, canceled its Slave/Branding Auction, a fundraising event, following a social media backlash over its name, which was described as racist and derogatory.
The Faith High School Rodeo Club had initially planned the annual event, which included a pancake supper and a pie auction, for April 26 at Legion Hall in Faith, the Argus Leader reported. Slave Auctions have existed in several communities in South Dakota for over a decade. The concept is that the club members are auctioned off to serve/do chores for the highest bidders in exchange for a donation.