Virginia State University has requested an apology and an investigation after VSU's women's soccer team experienced racial slurs and inappropriate sounds during a match against Guilford College on September 26.
According to a statement on the school's website, the opposing team's fans reportedly yelled the N-word and made monkey noises aimed at our student-athletes. While there have been direct apologies to VSU administration, the school contends that its student-athletes also deserve a personal apology.
The president of Guilford College, Dr. Kyle Farmbry, has apologized to VSU president Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. In a website statement, Dr. Farmbry said they have discussed this matter at length and will complete an investigation and take appropriate action relative to their code of conduct.
Peggy Davis, VSU Associate vice president for Athletics, says she has also received a call of apology from the Guilford Athletic Director. However, VSU says it has made it clear to Guilford College officials that the university will not tolerate this behavior from their fans and would still like them and their fans to apologize directly to its student-athletes.
"Our consistent goal has always been to provide a quality athletic experience for our student-athletes on and off campus, which does not include inappropriate, unacceptable, or racially insensitive comments by spectators, coaches, officials, or students," Davis said.
Abdullah said there is no place for racist conduct in college sports. "Our student-athletes work very hard to represent our university, and we must work together to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and inclusive environment."
