A Denver elementary school is facing backlash for planning a 'Families of Color Playground Night'

• The Centennial Elementary School in Denver is facing harsh criticism for planning a "Families of Color Playground Night."
• The event was listed in a Facebook post advertising the school's diversity and inclusivity initiatives.

An elementary school in Denver faces backlash on social media for organizing a "Families of Color Playground Night."

A huge sign promoting the event was spotted by writer Chris Rufo, senior fellow and director of the initiative on critical race theory at the Manhattan Institute think tank.

Rufo said in a tweet on Tuesday that he was told by Centennial Elementary School, which was hosting the event, that playground night had been organized by the institute's Dean of Culture, Nicole Tembrock, but was subsequently canceled due to COVID-19 protocols.

The event is currently listed on the school's website as taking place every second Wednesday of the month.

"The Families of Color Playground Night will be Oct. 13, right after school until 5:45, on the WEST playground. It will continue to be the 2nd Wed. of the month (Nov. 10, Dec. 8), at school, outside, as long as weather permits. At that point, it will be virtual, and probably later in the evening," reads a listing on the school's website.

However, the event was still included in the line-up of upcoming things to look out for as part of the school's push for "diversity and inclusivity," per a Sep. 30 Facebook post by Centennial.

Pictures of the playground sign advertising the event at the Centennial Elementary school circulated on social media, prompting criticism from Twitter users who called the event "disturbing."

Dave Kopel, a law professor at Denver University, also pointed out in a tweet that the event may be in violation of the Colorado constitution, which stipulates against discrimination on account of race or color.

Fox News obtained a statement from Centennial school officials, who said that the event was created because parents requested it.

"Our school leaders met with some of the Black families whose children attend our school to determine ways for these families to feel more included in our school community," Centennial Elementary told Fox News.

"Some of these families shared with us that, since the only time many of them see one another is at drop-off and pick-up times, we host some events where Black families can meet one another, connect with one another and share their experiences about the school with one another," read the statement.

"We are honoring their request. All families are welcome to attend all of our events, and families from a variety of backgrounds have done so," the statement added.

According to the school's profile on Public School Review, the school has around 500 students, 50% of which are Hispanic, 7% mixed-race, and 1% Black.

Insider has reached out to Centennial Elementary and its dean of culture for comment.