Democratic House leaders demand accountability after allegations of racism in Gladstone-La Grande football game

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The main Democrats in the Oregon House of Representatives released a joint statement on Friday in response to allegations that La Grande players used racist slurs against Black Gladstone players in their Nov. 5 playoff game.

The group of lawmakers included House Speaker Tina Kotek, House Majority Leader Barbara Smith Warner, and Representative Janelle Bynum, who co-chairs the Black, Indigenous and Colored Caucus (BIPOC) .

“Racism in high school sports is nothing new and traumatic for students, threatening their mental health and well-being,” the statement said. “That’s why we passed House Bill 3409 in 2019, which requires school districts participating in inter-school activities to adopt policies that promote equity, dignity and civil rights.

“We urge the La Grande and Gladstone school boards to actively participate in the ongoing investigation and ensure that the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) is in compliance with HB 3409.”

In a story first reported by The Oregonian / OregonLive, Gladstone players, coaches and parents alleged the constant use of racist slurs against black players throughout a 34-12 loss to La Great in the 4A playoffs last Friday. They also claim that an official said “get this black man off the pitch” in reference to an assistant coach from Gladstone.

OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber told The Oregonian / OregonLive in a follow-up email on Friday that OSAA wrote “violations and sanctions” in its handbook for sportsmanship issues, but these penalties depend on actions taken by schools and school districts. Weber previously said the OSAA was in communication with the sports departments of Gladstone and La Grande, which are investigating the case.

“Generally, (the actions) are focused on educating / training students and coaches regarding behavioral expectations,” Weber wrote. “Probation, required action plans, and board appearances, among others, are the types of potential penalties that could be imposed. “

Weber added that the OSAA is in contact with the Oregon Athletic Officials Association, working to determine potential action steps to move forward. This could include training on diversity and implicit bias for public servants.

The HB 3409 was designed by state lawmakers in response to a racist incident in January 2019 where several people attending a girls’ basketball game in St. Helens allegedly used slurs and made monkey noises towards the players of Parkrose high school.

“This law obliges the OSAA to combat the use of derogatory or inappropriate behavior through a transparent complaints process and reporting system, to respond to a complaint within 48 hours and to endeavor resolve the complaint within 30 days, “the Democratic House leaders’ statement said on Friday. .

In response to the adoption of HB 3409 in fall 2019, OSAA created its STAR initiative which it said “provides a model for racial equity awareness, action and resources on how to to prepare for, educate and interrupt discriminatory behavior occurring at sporting events in high school. “

It is unclear how the training and resources provided by STAR have helped or will apply to the alleged racism case at La Grande, but the OSAA has made no public mention of the initiative in response to these specific allegations. A notable example of STAR’s implementation was a pre-game announcement at high school athletic events across the state this school year, which follows a script that discourages hateful or intimidating behavior and includes the mantra “Greatness is without hatred”.

House leaders have called for “transparent and public communication” throughout the investigation into the allegations of racist taunts at La Grande. Sporting directors for Gladstone and La Grande have yet to comment publicly on the investigation.

La Grande is expected to replay the 4A quarter-finals against Estacada on Friday night.

“Incidents like this only reinforce the need for students and adults to learn and understand our history and to recognize the roles that racism and white violence have played since the founding of our nation,” said the statement from the House leaders said. “Only then can we truly begin to heal. We stand with the parents, students and faculty of Gladstone and we will continue to push for accountability.”

– Ryan Clarke; [email protected]

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