Officials with Atlanta Public Schools are taking issue with an investigation into claims of racist slurs and behaviors allegedly used toward some of their students during a recent high school football game.
Some people who said they are students at Maynard Jackson High School said in social media posts that members of the marching band were called racial slurs before, during and after a football game on Sept. 11 at Jefferson City High School. Jackson students and visitors also said Confederate flags were flown in the stadium and that a Jefferson football player spat on a Jackson player.
In a statement released last week, Jefferson City Schools said district officials and the Georgia High School Association thoroughly investigated the allegations by reviewing video footage and conducting interviews and taking written statements from students, staff and security officers. The statement said the investigation found the claims were unsubstantiated.
“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 statement said. “None of these claims have been substantiated and do not reflect who we are as a school district and community.”
In a statement posted to social media on Tuesday, APS said the investigation’s findings don’t fully address Jackson students’ experiences at the game, specifically allegations of racial slurs used toward students.
“While we respect that JCS has stated they ‘found no evidence to substantiate this claim,’ our students’ voices matter and their experiences matter,” APS wrote. “Allegations involving racism and discriminatory behavior are serious and deserve to be examined with the utmost clarity, transparency, thoroughness and care.”
The statement added that the concerns were documented and communicated to Jefferson City Schools.
APS went on to say it would strengthen security measures during out-of-district events to ensure students and staff feel protected.
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