A track meet earlier this month between Waterford Union (Wis.) High School and Rufus King International High School was stopped after students from Rufus King claimed they were targeted with racist slurs and taunts.
According to WTMJ News, the coaching staff at Rufus King “pulled the team from the meet early, citing safety concerns.”
A track meet earlier this month between Waterford Union (Wis.) High School and Rufus King International High School was stopped after students from Rufus King claimed they were targeted with racist slurs and taunts.
According to WTMJ News, the coaching staff at Rufus King “pulled the team from the meet early, citing safety concerns.”
Following the meet, Waterford Union administrators began an investigation into the incident. They interviewed more than 40 students and fans, and they reviewed video footage of the meet. As a result, Waterford Union administrators found that their students did make racially charged comments directed at the Rufus King student athletes. The investigation concluded that the students mocked competitors and made gang references.
A WIAA-sanctioned meet official also reportedly used racially charged language toward a Rufus King competitor.
Since the investigation concluded, Waterford Union High School has released an official apology to Rufus King High School. The administrators also claimed they would hold the students accountable for their actions and “retrain event officials and meet clerks on culturally appropriate conduct.”
“WUHS acknowledges the harm caused and the emotional impact on those affected,” administrators wrote in their apology. “The district takes full responsibility and is committed to creating a school culture that reflects the values of dignity, respect, and inclusion for all.”
Despite these apologies and promises for policy changes, parents of student-athletes at Rufus King High School told WISN, they don’t feel like anything is happening.
“We don’t want this swept under the rug,” Lea Byrd told WISN. She said she hopes the WUHS students are being disciplined for their actions. “I haven’t heard anything that makes me feel like anything is happening.”
Byrd and other parents from Rufus King High School are “calling for the suspension of Waterford students involved and the firing of officials involved.” The parents also want intervention from the WIAA, but the organization has said it will not take action.
