Evanston Township High School and New Trier High School are investigating reports that members of the ETHS marching band were subjected to racist and homophobic comments during a football game, Yahoo reported.
The alleged incident occurred Friday, Oct. 16, at Northwestern University’s New Ryan Field, where New Trier fans reportedly directed the comments and other offensive behavior at the student musicians, according to a joint statement from both districts cited by Yahoo.
The districts said they take the reports extremely seriously and are working together on the investigation. Officials encouraged anyone with firsthand information to contact their school administration.
In the joint statement, superintendents Dr. Marcus Campbell of Evanston Township High School District 202 and Dr. Peter Tragos of New Trier Township High School District 203 said opposing racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination is a core part of both districts’ missions. They emphasized that every student deserves respect and dignity in classrooms, in the stands and wherever students represent their schools.
The statement noted the game should have been an opportunity to celebrate students and school traditions, and that for the ETHS marching band it was especially meaningful to share their talents and represent their school. No student should leave an event where they came to perform feeling their dignity or belonging were demeaned, the districts said.
Both administrations committed to a thorough review, appropriate action based on findings and accountability for discriminatory behavior while respecting student privacy throughout the process.
For more information, visit yahoo.com.