Racist taunts at Jenison and Wyoming basketball game captured on video

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There’s a disturbing video of a West Michigan high school basketball game.

A 45-second clip from the Jenison and Wyoming boys’ varsity game shows kids from Jenison’s varsity section making monkey-like noises and gestures at an African-American player from Wyoming.

The video was shot inside the Wildcat Gym on Friday night. FOX17 made the decision to blur the video because of potential minors in the video, but the sounds and gestures of many are clearly heard.

FOX17 spoke to the student-athlete’s mother. She said she was grateful her boy didn’t hear her. The mother added that it took her and another parent to talk to Jenison’s athletic director about what happened in front of the whole gymnasium.

Jenison Public Schools sent this statement regarding the actions of last night’s game.

We are sickened that athletes and families were exposed to behavior of this nature at a Jenison event. This is not who we are at JPS and it does not represent the Wildcat Way character traits that we expect of all of our students, staff and families. While we cannot undo the harm that has been caused, we are fully committed to addressing this issue with our student population and using it as a learning opportunity for our entire school community. Our management takes this very seriously and addressed the situation with Wyoming Public Schools management immediately after the game. We are investigating thoroughly and will take appropriate action, including improving supervision of students at sporting events to ensure that such a situation never happens again.

Dr. Brandon W. Graham

Superintendent

Jenison released a second statement on Saturday afternoon with additional details on how the matter is being handled.

Jenison Public Schools

FOX17 also reached out to the Wyoming school district after learning of the actions against one of their student-athletes.

I am aware of the situation and have contacted the Jenison admin team with the communication below upon learning of the incident. Since that time, I have been in communication with Dr. Graham and our community in Wyoming, to appropriately address this disturbing incident and to reassure our researchers that they are cared for and supported. This type of behavior demonstrates that society has a lot of work to do, and I encourage everyone to be part of the solution, Superintendent Craig Hoekstra told FOX17.

Hoekstra added that he also contacted Jenison’s superintendent, the high school principal and the athletic director.

I am disappointed to have contacted you this morning. However, I must draw attention to and seek a resolution to what are viewed and understood to be racist actions by individuals in your student body during last night’s men’s basketball game against Wyoming High School. The attached video was shared with me by a community member in Wyoming.

Given that an African-American scholar-athlete is taking a free kick at this particular moment in the game, the monkey noises coming from the student section certainly seem to be aimed at him.

This targeted behavior is deplorable and unacceptable, and as we strive to achieve equity and inclusion for all, we must hold members of our communities to a high standard of respect, responsibility and sportsmanship. I ask that you examine and address the actions of viewers who exhibit this behavior so that all individuals, whether members of your community or visitors, are treated with dignity and respect. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Craig Hoekstra, Superintendent

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