The Jefferson City School District (JCSD) says following a week-long investigation there is nothing to allegations of racial slurs and associated actions on the part of Jefferson High School students and others at last week’s football game with an Atlanta school.
An open letter to “Staff, Parents, and Members of the Jefferson Community” says the investigation, which was conducted in conjunction with the administration of Maynard Jackson High School (MJHS), found no evidence to support the several allegations made by some MJHS students and supporters:
*It has been alleged that JHS allowed Confederate flags to be flown and carried in the stadium. JHS administration reviewed video footage and confirmed that Confederate flags were not present. Additionally, members of the JHS and MJHS administrations attended the game and confirmed that Confederate flags were not present.
*It has been alleged that visitors from MJHS observed concession workers spitting on their food. JHS administration reviewed video footage and written statements and confirmed that workers did not spit in any food at any time. MJHS administration interviewed students and confirmed there were no reports of this incident.
*It has been alleged that a JHS football player spat on one of the MJHS players. Both JHS and MJHS administrations agree that there is no evidence of this claim based on video footage and written statements.
*It has been alleged that racial slurs were directed toward some MJHS band members in the boys’ restroom located on the visitors’ side. Video cameras located outside the restrooms show footage of students entering and exiting the restroom. JHS administration reviewed this footage, interviewed and collected written statements from students who could be identified from Jefferson, and found no evidence to substantiate this claim. MJHS administration has provided no additional reports or other information confirming this incident.
*It has been alleged that some MJHS band members heard several people direct racial slurs at them upon arriving at the stadium. JHS administration reviewed video footage and collected written statements from volunteers assisting with the visitor gate and traffic and found no evidence to substantiate this claim. MJHS administration has provided no additional evidence or reports.
*It has been alleged that an altercation occurred between MJHS band members and an adult as the band exited the stadium. The adult has been identified as an individual not affiliated with Jefferson City Schools, and the incident is being addressed by MJHS administration.
*It has been alleged that JHS forced the MJHS band students to park across the street in a gravel parking lot, which was perceived as being racist and discriminatory. All buses from opposing teams are allowed to unload and load on the street in front of the visitors’ entrance. During the game, buses are parked in a gravel lot across the street. This procedure is not new and does not vary from team to team.
*It has been alleged that visitors from MJHS were not allowed to park in the lots located at Memorial Stadium. The spaces in the parking lots and several along the street are reserved for JHS Booster Club members. Due to limited parking at the stadium for non-Booster Club members, overflow spaces and bus shuttle service are available at a nearby church. Home and visiting fans use this service when all other spaces are taken. This procedure is not new and does not vary from team to team.
You can read the entire letter here: JCS Releases Letter Regarding Allegations from the Maynard Jackson High School Football Game | Post Detail
So far, no known comment from MJHS or the Atlanta Public School System to the Jefferson school system letter.
EARLIER STORY. POSTED SEPT.14: Racial slurs allegedly used following Friday’s Jefferson football game