No evidence to support claims of racist remarks at game, school district says
Jefferson city school officials said Tuesday evening they currently have not found evidence that support many of the claims that some Maynard Jackson High School students were subjected to racist language during Friday’s football game.
“As the investigation has progressed, the schools have reviewed information related to reports and allegations that have been brought forward, including claims shared online, and, based on our investigation, have not found evidence to substantiate many of the claims reviewed to date. A limited number of matters remain under review,” the Jefferson school district said in a written statement.
On Friday, Jefferson officials released a new statement saying nearly all of the allegations were unfounded.
Some widely circulated social media posts said Maynard Jackson High band members and players were called racist terms before, during and after Friday’s game against Jefferson High. Atlanta Public Schools officials said Monday they were investigating.
“Racism, harassment, and any behavior that threatens the safety or dignity of students are unacceptable,” Jonathan Sheffield, APS’ director of media relations, said in a statement. “While no students were physically harmed, APS takes these allegations seriously and is committed to ensuring a thorough review of the matter.
The two schools are located about 50 miles apart. Maynard Jackson High is named after Atlanta’s first Black mayor.
APS offered additional counseling support to students Monday, Sheffield said in the statement. Students may also access support through the district’s Talk It Out platform.
Jefferson officials said the investigation included interviews and over 50 written statements from students, staff, volunteers, and security officers, as well as an extensive review of video footage from 54 cameras in our stadium. Jefferson said it investigated other claims, such as a Jefferson football player allegedly spat on one of the Maynard Jackson players and Confederate flags were flown and carried in the stadium.
“As a school district, we are deeply disheartened that our students, staff, families, volunteers, and community members have been subjected to vile and vicious accusations, listed here or otherwise, that are utterly unfounded,” the Jefferson statement said. “None of these claims have been substantiated and do not reflect who we are as a school district and community.”
— Staff writer Martha Dalton contributed to this report.