In the US, Black History Month has begun, honoring and commemorating significant African Americans in history.

However, not all tributes have been received equally.

For instance, a New York middle school's decision to serve chicken and waffles with a side of watermelon for lunch sparked a backlash from students. Their reactions are shown below:

Aramark, the food service provider for Nyack Middle School, faced criticism for serving a meal perceived as racially insensitive on the opening day of Black History Month (February 1st).

Principal David Johnson informed WABC that the controversial meal choice was the fault of Aramark, as they allegedly altered the hot lunch menu without informing the school.

Officials confirmed that the originally planned menu for February 1st was a Philly cheesesteak with broccoli and fresh fruit.

Wilbur Aldridge from the Nyack NAACP commented on the meal choice in a statement to CBS News: "If they had served chicken and waffles by itself, I don't know that we would be having this conversation."

"But the moment you add in the watermelon, that changed the whole complexion, literally."

Student Honore Santiago expressed that it was the inclusion of watermelon that caused her to raise an eyebrow.

"They were asking people if they want watermelon and I remember being confused because it's not in season," she said.

Upon arriving home from school, Honore informed her mother about her lunch, and they both expressed outrage.

Honore, the middle school student, confessed that she "didn't think the company was capable of making us feel bad... especially the kids my color."

Principal Johnson released a statement regarding the "inexcusably insensitive" alteration of the menu.

He said: "We are extremely disappointed by this regrettable situation and apologize to the entire Nyack community for the cultural insensitivity displayed by our food service provider."

"I am disappointed that Aramark would serve items that differed from the published monthly menu."

"Especially items that reinforce negative stereotypes concerning the African-American Community."

Aramark also issued an apology for the meal selection, stating: "While our menu was not intended as a cultural meal, we acknowledge that the timing was inappropriate, and our team should have been more thoughtful in its service."

This is not the first instance of Aramark making an error during Black History Month.