Administrators from the South Central Calhoun (SCC) and Southeast Valley Community School Districts are investigating allegations of derogatory and racist comments directed toward Southeast Valley players from SCC players during Friday night’s football game in Lake City. According to SCC Superintendent, Brad Anderson, coaches and officials from both teams were not aware of any issues until a parent’s social media post.
Anderson says both schools are taking the allegation that racial slurs were used during the game very seriously and spent much of the weekend working to determine what transpired.
In a written statement Sunday evening, SE Valley Superintendent, Brian Johnson, and Anderson, say they have confirmed several details but are continuing to investigate. Conversations between players did occur at various times during the game, but any racial or derogatory remarks by SCC players have not been substantiated. Anderson says this is a learning experience for everybody involved, regardless of the inquiry’s findings.
He adds coaches from both teams have addressed their players regarding the alleged incident. The superintendents say in their written statement, “As public schools and learning organizations, we commit to listen, understand and take action on behalf of all our students and families of color across our district and beyond. There is no place in our communities for this behavior and we will continue to embrace our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist practices to break the cycle of racism and other forms of oppression.” Anderson says families should expect additional communication from the district at the conclusion of the investigation.
