East Davidson (N.C.) High School has suspended the remainder of its boy's varsity soccer season last week following the viral circulation of a video appearing to show a group of players on a bus using a racial slur.
The 17-4 Golden Eagles were expected to make a run in the state playoffs, which begin today.
As reported by local ABC affiliate WXLV-TV, school leaders released an announcement on Wednesday afternoon that, due to the ongoing circumstances surrounding this social media post, a decision was reached to end the team's season effective immediately.
"After thorough investigation and careful consideration of the behavior depicted in the social media post that circulated over the weekend, the decision has been made to end the varsity soccer season effective immediately," East Davidson High School announced. "This decision reflects the seriousness of the situation and our commitment to upholding the standards of conduct and accountability expected of all students representing our school."
School officials also described how the behaviors recorded in this video of their student-athletes are not a representation of what expectations are for their students both on and off campus, WXLV's Christian Gladney reported.
"The behavior depicted in the social media post is unacceptable and does not reflect the standards we uphold at East Davidson High School," they said. "We recognize the impact this decision has on our student-athletes and appreciate our school community’s understanding as we address this matter."
Two days earlier, East Davidson principal Jennifer Woodrum had shared a message with concerned families regarding their investigation into the video that was spreading across social media.
"We are aware of a social media post that circulated widely over the weekend involving our students," Woodrum said, per WXLV. "Behavior that undermines the safety, dignity, or well-being of others is unacceptable. The situation is being taken seriously, and appropriate consequences will be issued in accordance with district policies."
Woodrum added that the school remains committed to addressing the situation, but that students' privacy remains paramount as it resolves the matter.
"We expect all students to demonstrate integrity in their words and actions in every setting, including the classroom, athletics, and their interactions with others," Woodrum said. "We will continue to hold students accountable for their actions and reinforce the importance of making responsible choices that contribute to a positive and inclusive school environment."
"The district strongly condemns the behavior depicted as it does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and responsibility that we expect from our students and strive to uphold throughout Davidson County Schools," Davidson County Schools superintendent Gregg Slate added.
Local NAACP organizers also encouraged community members to review the school board's Policy 4310 that covers student integrity and civility.
According to Davidson County Schools' updated policy manual, all students are expected to demonstrate integrity, civility, responsibility and self-control —connecting with the board's educational goals of having students accept the consequences of their behavior and respect cultural diversity/ideological differences.
"The Davidson County NAACP is deeply saddened by what took place at East Davidson High School, and the students and families it impacted," Reverend Alan Suber said. "We are grateful for the partnership that we have established with Davidson County Schools and Superintendent Dr. Gregg Slate to voice our concerns openly. We also thank the administration for their swift action to resolve the matter properly."
School officials have not shared the names of students in the video, or whether any of them could face further disciplinary actions, WXLV's Gladney reported.
