Districts Respond After ETHS Band Reports Racist, Homophobic Comments At Football Game

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston Township High School and New Trier Township High School are investigating reports that the ETHS Marching Band was subjected to racist and homophobic comments and other offensive behavior during Friday's football game at New Ryan Field.

Friday night’s game in Evanston brought the two North Shore rivals together at Northwestern University’s rebuilt Ryan Field. During the game, the districts said, New Trier fans reportedly made “offensive” comments at the Evanston marching band. Members of the band told WMAQ-Ch. 5 that New Trier students shouted racial slurs at them.

On Friday, the Illinois High School Association put Lincoln-Way East High School on probation, the outcome of an investigation into two incidents of actual and perceived racism involving Homewood-Flossmoor High School last month.

“We take these reports extremely seriously and recognize the concern they have caused students, families, and our broader communities,” District 202 and 203 officials said in a joint statement. “Standing against racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination is central to the missions of both districts.”

The districts said they are working together on a review of what happened. The statement said student privacy will be protected during the process.

The districts also framed the incident against the purpose of the event and the role students played that night.

“Friday evening should have been an opportunity to celebrate our students, spirited competition, and the longstanding traditions of our two school communities,” the statement said. “For the ETHS Marching Band, it was an especially meaningful opportunity to do what they love: share their talents and proudly represent their school. No student should leave an event where they came to perform, compete, or support their peers feeling that their dignity or belonging were demeaned or called into question."