A California teacher is under fire for wearing blackface during a presentation about missionaries, prompting the school’s superintendent to apologize.

Superintendent John Huffman, who heads the Victory Christian School in Carmichael, California, said that he used “poor judgment” to allow the presentation to take place and that it “was in no way meant to be hurtful or disrespectful. … I ask forgiveness from those who have been hurt by this,” according to Fox 40.

Huffman allowed one of his teachers to dress up as a Central African woman in a presentation on missionary David Livingston and his work in Africa in the late 19th century.

“In an effort to bring authenticity to her role, she wore a typical native dress and headdress,” he said. “She also used makeup to darken her skin tone on her arms, shoulders, and face.”

Parents and student of the school said they were offended by the use of blackface, according to Fox 40. Huffman sent an email to parents apologizing. “This presentation was in no way meant to be hurtful or disrespectful. … I ask forgiveness from those who have been hurt by this.”