Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Ga., has appointed its fourth head football coach since Sept. 2024, after interim coach Charles Kenyon resigned amid an investigation into his use of racially derogatory language.
According to WSB-TV Atlanta, the Barrow County School District is investigating Kenyon after receiving reports that he told an alumnus of the team, “This is for whites only,” while working in the concessions stand at an Oct. 15 football game
A student near the concessions stand overheard the comment and told his parents that Kenyon then said to him, “Go play guard for the band.” The teen, who is Black, said, “Coach, what do you mean?” The coach replied, “Well, you know, color guard,” and pointed to his skin.
Several parents volunteering in the concessions stand also overheard the comments and called the superintendent’s office the next morning. Barrow County School District’s human resources director apologized to the family of the teen who spoke with Kenyon, and immediately began an investigation.
“I’m not gonna accept it as a father, as an African American in the community, as a taxpayer,” the parent said. “It’s not acceptable.”
"Our school and school system believe and expect that all students, staff, and guests should be treated with dignity and respect. Any inappropriate or unprofessional statement or behavior, even if intended or represented as a 'joke,' will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated," principal Jessica Rehberg said in a letter to the community.
Alex Savakinas will serve as the new interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Rehberg thanked Savakinas in her email for his direction and leadership at this time.
