Carondelet High School for Girls in California created a special menu of fried chicken, cornbread and watermelon to mark Black History Month in the US.
However soon after announcing the menu the school was forced into a humiliating apology after scores of students and parents complained.
University of San Francisco professor James Taylor said he could see why people had been offended by the menu.
“Chicken, watermelon, collard greens - these stereotypes of black Southern culture that come from the same place where the N-word comes from”University of San Francisco professor James Taylor
Speaking to KNTV he said: "Chicken, watermelon, collard greens - these stereotypes of black Southern culture that come from the same place where the N-word comes from.
"What it represents is the degradation and stereotyping of African-Americans."
In a letter to parents school principal Nancy Libby wrote: "I'd like to apologise for the announcement and any hurt this caused students, parents or community members.
"Please know that at no time at Carondelet do we wish to perpetrate racial stereotypes."
The high school claimed there had been a communication breakdown and the menu was planned and published without getting the all-clear from the administration.
Ms Libby has ordered the offensive items taken off the menu and told parents the school will hold a diversity assembly.
Black History Month is held every February in the US and Canada for the remembrance of important people and events in the history of communities around the world which are descended from the historic movement of peoples from Africa.