US teachers put on leave after 'insensitive' Halloween costumes

A group of elementary teachers in Idaho have been put on leave following an offensive costume they wore during Halloween, the Idaho Statesman reports.

The 13 teachers donned a "Make America Great Again" themed costume for the day, with half dressed in ponchos and sombreros and the other half dressed up as a "wall" – those dressed as the wall wore patriotic paraphernalia like an American eagle suit and statue of liberty costume.

It was a crude reference to Donald Trump's controversial border policy.

Pictures of the Halloween garb was posted on the Middleton School Facebook page but quickly deleted after parents pointed out that it was offensive. The teachers in ponchos and sombreros, complete with maracas and black moustaches, were also said to be racist.

Superintendent Josh Middleton, who was alerted by a concerned parent, has since posted a Facebook video apologising for the teacher's actions. 

"We are better than this, we embrace all students who have a responsibility to teach and reach all students," he said.

"On behalf of the Middleton School District, I share sincerest apologies for these insensitive actions and offending our families and patrons. Again, we are better than this."

Middleton said that the district is conducting an investigation into the incident and placed the employees on administrative leave.

CNN reports that 13 per cent of the school's community is Hispanic. 

The Middleton School Facebook page appears to be taken down at the time of writing.