'Racist Behavior Must Have Meaningful Consequences': IL Teacher Groups On Incident At LWE, H-F Football Game

FRANKFORT, IL — Educators across the state are speaking up amid the fallout of a racist incident that took place at a football game between Homewood-Flossmoor and Lincoln-Way East high schools on Sept. 4.

The incident—captured on video by several in the stands during the two teams' varsity game Friday—showed five students mimicking the movements and sounds of monkeys.

The fan encounter has gained traction nationwide, with heavy media coverage. Both schools have publicly addressed the incident, with Lincoln-Way East Principal Toriano Griggs calling it "deeply disappointing."

Griggs said that "the racial slurs, monkey noises, and racist gestures that occurred Friday night were hurtful and completely unacceptable. This behavior has no place at Lincoln-Way East or anywhere else."

Homewood-Flossmoor High School leadership called the fans' behavior "a very bad choice," and demanded action from Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way District 210 administration.

Some Lincoln-Way East students walked out Wednesday, a protest against racism shown by some of their classmates.

Organizations and local officials—the IHSA, Village of Frankfort, local chapter of NAACP, villages of Homewood and Flossmoor, Flossmoor District 161, Homewood School District 153, Flossmoor and Homewood public libraries and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District—have spoken out against the students' actions.

"We fully understand why members of the Homewood-Flossmoor community and others were upset by these actions, and we want to state unequivocally that such behavior is not condoned," the Village of Frankfort said. "We hope this does not overshadow the longstanding, positive connections shared between our communities every day. The Village of Frankfort remains dedicated to fostering an environment built with mutual respect where everyone feels valued and welcome."

'This Cannot Be The End Of The Response': Educators

Following suit, a joint statement was issued Wednesday by the Illinois Education Association, attributed to IEA President Karl Goeke, Homewood-Flossmoor Education Association President Dana Noble, Homewood-Flossmoor Classified Staff Organization President Paula Snyder, Lincoln-Way Education Association President Patrick Leonard and Lincoln-Way High School Education Support Professionals Co-Presidents Nicholas Albergo and Jeremy Horvath.

"The Illinois Education Association (IEA) condemns the racist harassment directed at Homewood-Flossmoor students during the Lincoln-Way East and Homewood-Flossmoor football game," the statement reads. "The behavior is completely unacceptable and deeply troubling. No student should have to experience racial slurs, racist gestures or harassment at a school or athletic event.

"The Illinois Education Association’s mission is to effect excellence and equity in public education. We believe that commitment requires us to stand firmly against racism and racial harassment whenever and wherever it occurs. Every student deserves to attend school and participate in school activities in an environment where they are safe, respected and treated with dignity, regardless of the color of their skin."

The association went on to say that while they appreciate that the offending students were removed from the game and Lincoln-Way East has committed to take appropriate disciplinary action, consequences should be "meaningful."

"... This cannot be the end of the response," their statement reads. "Racist behavior must have meaningful consequences, and schools have a responsibility to ensure their students understand the harm caused by racism and the responsibility we all share for creating school communities where every student is treated with dignity and respect."

The association stressed that it "unequivocally stands" with the students targeted in the harassment.

"There is no place for racism, racial harassment or intimidation in our schools, at our athletic events or anywhere in our communities," their statement reads.

RELATED

• 'Deeply Disappointing': Lincoln-Way East Principal Speaks Out On Racist Incident Ahead Of Student Walkout
• 'Abhorrent, Offensive' Behavior Doesn't Reflect Frankfort Values: Village

The Illinois Federation of Teachers also released a statement, specifically supporting the student walkout that took place Wednesday.

"On behalf of our 107,000 members, the IFT stands in solidarity with the students at Lincoln-Way East who walked out against racism today," the statement reads.

"Students should be able to walk the halls of their schools and compete in gymnasiums, athletic fields and stadiums knowing they belong there, having no question about the support and the values of their school communities, and without being subjected to acts of demeaning discrimination, disrespect, or aggression from anyone."

Schools and their sporting events are "places where students are meant to find their voice, build confidence, learn to work as a team, and are supposed to be where they learn their shared responsibility to challenge discrimination as civic participants that make communities better and more welcoming, not the opposite.

"Students protesting today courageously called on the adults in their lives to do better, not just in the wake of isolated incidents but in what they are exposing to be persisting problems that we all must confront together. Whether it is specific incidents, lack of culturally responsive curriculum, or discriminatory discipline policies, the adults in our schools and communities should listen and follow their lead."

The federation said the responsibility of educators is for "creating safe, welcoming and respectful spaces."

"The best way to do that is to teach anti-racism as a cornerstone, name racism when we see it, confront it, and address it head-on."

The federation emphasized it does not represent workers at the two schools in question, but that "educators everywhere are likely responding to young people who have questions about the incidents."

The group said it sent education resources to its members that shared resolutions committing to anti-racism and curricula and sample conversation guides to reinforce schools and sports as places where students learn to challenge discrimination as part of a more equitable community where everyone is welcomed.

'Hate Has No Home Here'

The NAACP Chicago Far South Suburban Branch on Wednesday called the incident "dehumanizing" for Homewood-Flossmoor students.

"We are deeply disturbed by the reported racist harassment directed toward Homewood-Flossmoor High School students during the Sept. 4 football game involving Lincoln-Way East High School," the organization said in a statement issued by NAACP Chicago Far South Suburban Branch President Gary Dingle.

"Racial slurs, racist gestures, and dehumanizing conduct have no place in our schools, athletic programs, or communities. Such behavior cannot be dismissed as a joke or simply attributed to youthful misconduct. It causes real harm and reinforces a culture of intolerance that we must work together to eliminate.

"We commend the Homewood-Flossmoor administrators and staff for responding to the incident and protecting their students. We also acknowledge Lincoln-Way East's public apology and its stated commitment to addressing the conduct through its disciplinary process.

"An apology, however, must be accompanied by accountability and meaningful action."