Inappropriate, racially insensitive language ‘likely’ used toward Benson High School athletes at a game in December
Camas Public Schools and members of the Camas School Board are apologizing to the Benson High School girls basketball program and the community after an investigation determined that inappropriate language likely was used by some Camas students at a game earlier this season.
The investigation was requested after Benson head coach Eric Knox wrote a letter that claimed his players were subjected to racist taunts when his teams played at Camas on Dec. 10.
The lead investigator, Gay Selby, an administrator consultant for ESD 112, concluded in the report “that some sort of inappropriate language likey was used by the CHS students, though no students could be specifically identified.”
The full report can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yeOEnO0NIEeMeoCNPj9Zrj7x_rtpUhUN/view
The report notes that Selby interviewed close to 50 people, including players from both teams, coaches, game officials, school administrators, students who were at the games, as well as parents and other spectators.
Selby said there is a clear difference of opinion of whether inappropriate language, including racial slurs, by CHS students was used during the varsity and/or junior varsity contests.
“It is not possible to to reach a definitive conclusion that racial slurs and/or inappropriate gestures were directed to BHS girls basketball team or individual players from CHS students seated in the student section,” Selby writes.
However, Selby noted, due to the specificity of Knox’s allegations that were “generally” corroborated by interviews of the Benson players, and corroborated by a student who was interviewed by the Camas school newspaper, Selby determined “inappropriate language” likely was used by Camas students.
“We are so sorry and deeply regret that any member or guest in our community would experience such a hateful act,” said Doug Hood, the interim superintendent of Camas Schools.
“The Camas School Board offers our apologies to the Benson High School girls basketball players, Coach Knox, and our community,” noted a release signed by all five members of the board. “Thank you to all of those who participated in the investigation. We are committed to learning from this situation.”
Selby’s investigation recommended several action steps.
- The Camas High School Code of Conduct mentions “slurs” but needs to add language that directly addresses racial slurs, inappropriate gestures, and hurtful designations.
- With pandemic restrictions, an all-school assembly was not possible this academic year. It is suggested that this be a topic at a future assembly prior to the major sports seasons.
- It is suggested that the PA announcer remind those in attendance of the behavior that will be accepted and the behavior that will not be tolerated.
- Several students who were interviewed for this investigation said they occasionally hear racial slurs/comments around the campus. Therefore, it is suggested that the faculty continue to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- A suggestion for Camas to reach out to Coach Knox to determine his interest in working together on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A partnership might prove beneficial.
- Collaboration with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and the Greater St. Helens League on game procedures for student behavior and crowd control.
“It is imperative that we remain vigilant in our commitment to dismantling racist practices and experiences in our schools and community,” Hood said. “Unfortunately, our students, families, and staff tell us that racist and other hateful incidents persist in our hallways, classrooms, and athletic spaces as confirmed by the investigation.”
Hood said the next steps in response to the investigation include: Conversations with the Benson community, desiring restorative connection and support; as well as training staff and student leaders at Camas in creating anti-racist/anti-hate environments.
“Each and every person deserves the right to exist, learn, and thrive in our community. We will continue to support our students in discussing and learning from what they are seeing and experiencing,” Hood said. “You can expect to receive updates on our continued actions.”
The school board added: “The findings from the investigation further highlight the importance of our district’s commitment to seeing and serving EACH student, including those who visit from outside Camas. While the investigation did not identify individuals responsible, the conclusion that something likely happened reinforces the need to emphasize sportsmanship, decorum, and respect for all within our schools.”
About three hours before Camas released this report on Tuesday, the WIAA sent out a statement regarding discriminatory behavior. A spokesperson said this release was not specific toward the incident in Camas. Instead, there have been a number of incidents throughout the state this academic year.
“These kinds of behaviors,” the release notes of racist taunts and actions at athletic events, “have no place in our schools and communities and the WIAA encourages students, spectators, officials, coaches, and administrators to help create safe and fair environments for competition.”
The WIAA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has developed a Bias Reporting Form which is available at WIAA.com for the purpose of reporting discriminatory behavior at an athletic event.
