IHSA to investigate 'unacceptable words and actions' during cross country meet
Homewood-Flossmoor promises legal action against LWE
The IHSA has opened an investigation following a Tuesday report from a Chicago-area high school.
The IHSA has opened an investigation following a Tuesday report from a Chicago-area high school.
According to the IHSA, Homewood-Flossmoor High School reported unacceptable words and actions directed toward its student-athletes from an event over the weekend by another IHSA-sanctioned team.
What they're saying:
The IHSA reported on Tuesday that Homewood-Flossmoor reported "unacceptable words and actions by athletes and coaches" were directed towards their own athletes at a cross country meet on Sept. 5.
"The IHSA received a report on September 8 from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, detailing that their student-athletes had been subjected to unacceptable words and actions by athletes and coaches from another IHSA member high school at a cross country meet on September 5," IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said in a written statement.
Because of this report, the IHSA will automatically open an investigation.
"High school sports are an extension of the classroom and every high school student-athlete in Illinois should be provided the opportunity to compete in a safe space, demeaning words and actions cannot and will not be tolerated," Anderson said. "Under the auspices of the IHSA's hate speech and harassment policy, this report triggers an investigation by the IHSA. The investigation process is now underway, and we will work tirelessly to achieve a resolution that reflects the serious nature of this situation."
Homewood-Flossmoor wrote on its Facebook page about the incident to be transparent.
"On Saturday, September 6th, our Girl’s Cross Country Team returned to campus following area invitationals," Homewood-Flossmoor wrote in a Facebook post. "Our coaches reported another unfortunate incident, this time with the Lincoln-Way East Girl’s Cross Country Team."
"Our athletes gave written statements that described what occurred while they were in the HF box before the start of the Varsity race on Saturday. Three HF athletes shared a description (student statements attached) of one of the LWE coaches making comments about running ‘past those monkeys’ to the LWE team in the starting box directly adjacent. The athletes then reported that some of the team began cheering and making ‘noises that were racist’ and ‘monkey gestures.' Upon their return and receiving the written statements, we notified LWE leadership."
The Homewood-Flossmoor School Board also released a statement, saying in part:
"First, I want to address the hateful behaviors directed at our students and community by a group of Lincolnway East students. These behaviors were not simply "inappropriate" — they were racist and ugly and ignorant. And the fact that we have now learned of two such incidents in one weekend deserves all our attention and a firm response.
"On behalf of the HF Board of Education, I want to convey our outrage and disgust, which I know is shared by many in the HF community and beyond. I want the HF community to know that this Board of Education is wholly committed to providing the support, validation and guidance our students need at this moment.
"To our students … we are with you. You did not deserve this. Your school community will not allow these racist, hateful acts to go unanswered. Thank you for your composure, restraint and resilience as we sort through this unfortunate situation. We will continue to give you a voice, and through you, we will strengthen our school community in the face of this hate, and make it even better. And we will protect your rights to the fullest extent allowed by the law.
"To our community members … thank you for your support of our students and our school community during this difficult time. Thank you, specifically, for standing with us in condemning behaviors that some have sought to minimize, explain and excuse. Thank you, also, to those in surrounding communities, who have spoken up in solidarity with us.
"To our school community, our teachers and staff and school leaders … you have been amazing. Your handling and management of this moment has been exemplary. And as always, your priority has been our students and their needs. We appreciate your magnificent front line handling of the difficult hand you have been dealt. Thank you!!
"Hate has no place at HF."
The backstory:
This would mark the second time in two days that Homewood-Flossmoor has reported verbal harassment towards students at a sporting event.
On Sept. 4, Homewood-Flossmoor reported Lincoln-Way East students engaged in harassment towards athletes during a high school football game.
"It is with great disappointment and sadness that we communicate today," the school said in a written statement. "On Friday, September 4th at the end of the 3rd quarter during the Varsity Football Game against Lincoln Way-East HS, 5 Lincoln-Way East student fans made a very bad choice to engage in disrespectful and racist harassment towards HF students seated in the bleachers. We want to commend our staff who acted swiftly and safely removed those individuals from our property and helped our students remain in the bleachers and safe."
The Source: Information in this report comes from the IHSA, as well as Homewood-Flossmoor's social media pages.