[ad_1]
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District this month opened an investigation into alleged racist remarks made by players of the Esperanza High softball team during a panel discussion in May, the Southern California News Group has learned. .
Esperanza High principal Gina Aguilar acknowledged in the school communication that the school had received a report of offensive and racist comments during conversations between a group of players on the team.
Aguilars’ communication also mentioned student discipline and the retention of a law firm to conduct an investigation.
Aguilar did not respond to messages seeking comment.
The school district released a statement Friday morning: The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District has been made aware of an incident involving players from the Esperanza High School softball team. District and school officials promptly dealt with the matter in accordance with disciplinary procedures established by the districts. Student discipline matters are confidential and the district cannot share additional information.
As an additional measure, the district hired an independent investigator to conduct a thorough review to ensure this incident was properly addressed.
The statement added that our school district condemns all forms of discrimination and harassment and that a safe and respectful environment is absolutely essential to student success.
The Aztecs (21-3) softball team will face Roosevelt in the CIF South Section Division 1 Final at Deanna Manning Stadium on Friday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Last month, Esperanza beat Villa Park 1-0 in a crucial Crestview League game without several of his best players, including five starters. The five missing Aztecs players did not attend the contest.
Esperanza coach Ed Tunstall said during the May 20 game that the players were simply not available and added that he could not comment further.
Tunstall also said the Aztecs lost a game on May 18 to El Dorado because there weren’t enough players.
He did not respond to a message Thursday about the investigation.
On May 19, Esperanza Girls’ Athletic Director Keri Walters told players and families in the softball program in an email that the administration had been made aware of inappropriate comments made during school hours during the event. ” a group discussion between college softball players.
Walters added that the dialogue included in the panel discussion violated our school district code of conduct as well as our athletic code of conduct, a document all student-athletes read and sign before participating in sports at Esperanza High School. It states: All participants must commit to exemplary conduct and behavior as a representative of the school, district and community. The families of players who have acted contrary to this code have already been contacted by the administration to explain the next steps.
Walters didn’t mention the content of the group chat, but said the conversation definitely had a negative impact on our team and our players.
The forfeit is the last defeat of Esperanzas’ record. The Aztecs notched up seven straight wins, including a loss to No.1 seed Norco in the semifinals and a win over Murrieta Mesa in 11 rounds in the quarterfinals.
[ad_2]
picture credit