"Unpatriotic" photo leads to Pa. school, police investigation

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A photo showing a Pennsylvania student standing on the American flag while another makes a vulgar gesture is creating a firestorm on social media, reports CBS Pittsburgh.

The photo, which was posted by a former student, has been shared thousands of times, according to the station. It appears to be taken in a classroom and shows a male student standing on the U.S. flag, while a female student flips off the camera and sticks out her tongue.

A statement on behalf of the Richland School District's solicitor was posted on Facebook, as well as the district's website, promising a "timely and thorough" review.

"The Richland School District has become aware of this unfortunate and unpatriotic picture posted by some of its students," the statement read. "This type of picture does not represent the opinion of the District or of its overall student population."

The Richland Township Police Department also released a statement in regards to the incident, according to CBS Pittsburgh. They are aware of the "disrespectful" photo and are currently investigating.

"We have been in contact with the Richland School District and will work with them in resolving this issue, the police statement read. "Thank you to everyone who took time to notify us of this situation."