Lincoln-Way East students hold walkout over racist incidents toward Homewood-Flossmoor

Students at Lincoln-Way East High School in Chicago's southern suburbs walked out of class Wednesday, following two racist incidents involving its students toward another school.

The walkout at the school in Frankfort, Illinois, happened around 11:50 a.m. Student organizers said they wanted to stand with Homewood-Flossmoor High School and send a message that the behavior of their classmates does not represent the greater Lincoln-Way East student body. Concerns were also raised about what they believe was a light punishment.

Chants of "No place for racism" were shouted during the walkout.

"Racism needs to stop. It's been going on for years and it's not ok," said student Kaelyn Cousin.

LWE Junior Ocean Myrick said she organized the student walkout to show support to Homewood-Flossmoor High School students.

"Lincoln Way East is racist. You will walk past and get called slurs, but we all are a family. We're strong. We have courage and everything," she said.

Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 Supt. Dr. Jennifer Norrell said the first incident happened at a varsity football game on Friday when students reported that Lincoln-Way East fans mimicked monkeys while taunting Homewood-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. Homewood-Flossmoor leaders said the gestures were directed at Black students.

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. Since the students are minors, the school wouldn't say how.

Then on Saturday, Homewood-Flossmoor leaders said it happened 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."

"We walked out because, like, racism is unacceptable. The way they were doing those monkey actions. The way, like, the track coach saying, 'beat those monkeys,' that's unacceptable," said student James Marshall.

A Frankfort mom, who didn't want to be identifed out of for fear of retaliation, says her son has been targeted.

"His freshman year, he's experienced some racist comments from students before, so I'm not really that surprised."

Some parents from Homewood-Flossmoor stood across the street to show their support for Lincoln Way East students.

"What I do want to see is if adminstration make change at their level, at the Board of Education level, because that's where, who needs to deal with this. I'm also out here to reflect unity," said Andrea Jefferson with We United Southland.

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.

The principal at Lincoln-Way East said the students involved in the incident during the varsity football game will be handled. 

As for the walkout, a letter was sent ahead to parents about any disciplinary actions, saying, "While students have First Amendment rights to free speech and expression, those rights may be limited when the activity causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment." The school said this goes for every walkout and not just Wednesday's event.

"I didn't really care because Black lives matter and it shouldn't matter about the repercussions as long as you show us the truth," Cousin said.

In a statement, the Illinois Education Association on Wednesday said they condemn the racist behavior from the LWE students, saying in part, "The students who were subjected to this harassment deserve to know the public education community unequivocally stands with them. There is no place for racism, racial harassment or intimidation in our schools, at our athletic events or anywhere in our communities."

CBS News Chicago asked if the coaches will also face any disciplinary actions from what allegedly happened at the cross-country meet on Saturday. He says he stands by his recent statement. Meanwhile, the Illinois High School Association said in a statement that it's launching a separate investigation into the coach's actions.

Homewood-Flossmoor says they are seeking possible legal action against Lincoln-Way East.