BASD Responds to Allegations
September 13, 2021 - On Friday, September 10 Burlington High School played a hard-fought football game against Westosha Central High School. Allegations of unacceptable language and racist comments surfaced almost immediately following the game.
When the district learned of this matter, we immediately began collaborating with Westosha Central to investigate. Administrative and athletic staff stayed at the school late into the night and continued to investigate throughout the day on Saturday. The investigation involves conversations with student-athletes, game officials, coaches, athletic directors, any other witnesses, and viewing any available video footage. We will work with Westosha Central and the WIAA to understand the entirety of the situation.
The Burlington Area School District does NOT tolerate racist behavior. We take all allegations seriously and complete thorough investigations. And, when warranted, we assign discipline. (Link to statement: 2020 consequences.)
Burlington Coalition to Dismantle Racism chose to post information to social media at 12:47 am before all of the facts had even been established. We want BCDR and the community to be supportive of the positive work BASD is doing:
- Two weeks ago, approximately 150 students, staff members, parents, and community members participated in focus groups related to one of our two equity audits.
- The district continues to work with the National Equity Project as we determine a path forward and develop what work a community equity team could do to support the district’s efforts.
- The district has implemented steps to ensure equity is evident in all that we do. For example, we are updating all student and employee manuals, have increased efforts around translating information for Spanish-speaking families, we work to accommodate the approximately 500 students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and more.
- As we welcomed students back into the classroom last week, we remain committed to a focus on the social and emotional learning needs and well-being of every student.
The focus of Friday night’s game should have been an opportunity to come together as a community to remember the events of 9-11 and honor local first responders. We commemorated a time when the United States came together - no matter the ethnic, political, or social backgrounds - to heal as a nation.
Tonight, the district will host its annual meeting where community members can hear about the district’s budget and vote on the proposed tax-levy. The district’s overall mill rate is among the lowest in recent history. BASD’s tax rate is one of the lowest rates when compared to surrounding districts. The community benefits from the addition of a state-of-the-art middle school and increased safety and security in all schools. The district is making every effort to show compassion and offer comprehensive opportunities with the limited resources available.
It is disheartening to us that we even need to conduct an investigation. The district alone can’t control the individual actions of over 3000 students. Instead of directing anger at the district, share frustration with the parents who allow their kids to use racial slurs. Be angry at what kids get exposed to on social media and through pop culture. The school district will hold students accountable and the community needs parents to hold their kids accountable, too.
It is time for everyone - parents, students, community members, leaders to step up and do the right work to ensure every person feels a sense of belonging.
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