Lincoln-Way East accused of second incident of racist behavior by Homewood-Flossmoor
Homewood-Flossmoor High School leaders say they're seeking possible legal action after a second racist taunting incident involving them and Lincoln-Way East happened over the weekend.
The incident targeted the schools' girls' cross-country teams one day after a similar incident at a varsity football game.
Superintendent of the Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 Dr. Jennifer Norrell, told CBS News Chicago that after two reported incidents in a single weekend, their attorney has been in contact with state agencies about whether or not the next step will be filing a lawsuit.
"They don't deserve to have to feel and wonder every time they get ready to compete whether or not they're going to be disrespected," she said.
Dr. Norrell said the first incident happened on Friday when students reported that Lincoln-Way East fans mimicked monkeys while taunting Homewoo-Flossmoor fans in the crowd. A video posted on social media appears to show some Lincoln-Way East students on the practice field making the inappropriate gestures.
Lincoln Way East apologized for the behavior in a statement, saying the students were not members of the football team, they had been identified, and they would be disciplined appropriately. Due to them being students, they wouldn't say how.
Then on Saturday, Homewood-Flossmoor leaders said a second time, this time involving the girls' cross-country teams, sharing a description of one of the Lincoln-Way coaches making comments about running "past those monkeys."
The athletes then reported that some of the team began cheering and making "noises that were racist" and "monkey gestures."
"When we heard that there was an adult that made comments, it was very disheartening," Dr. Norrell said.
In a statement, Lincoln-Way East said they investigated the cross-country team's allegation, but claimed there was a misunderstanding:
"Lincoln-Way East coaches merely recounted a well-known story about an area of the Lyons Township course referred to as 'The Jungle,'" the statement read.
"Looking at it, those kids were very comfortable making the gestures that they did, which referred to me that it's not the first time they've done it," said Percy Scott, president of the Homewood-Flossmoor Parent Teacher Student Association
In response to the incident on Friday, the Illinois High School Association said they strongly condemn the racist actions and will be working with both schools to make sure "an appropriate resolution is reached."
"We want to hold them accountable, and so that's what I mean. I think there needs to be some conversations," Scott said.
According to social media posts, some Lincoln-Way East students are planning a walkout on Wednesday in solidarity with Homewood-Flossmoor.
Dr. Norrell said that trauma response teams were on campus Tuesday to counsel students.
