Sports
Beloit coach claims racist experience at girls basketball game – WKOW
The Westosha Central High School District has opened an investigation after a Beloit coach claims she and her players experienced racism and discrimination at a girls basketball game.
SALEM, Wis. (WKOW) — The Westosha Central High School District has opened an investigation after a Beloit coach claims she and her players experienced racism and discrimination at a girls basketball game.
Beloit Head Coach Dilonna Johnson said her team had an “uncomfortable experience that resulted in us feeling unsafe at Westosha Central High School” that led to them not competing in the varsity game.
She said some fans directed noises and gestures at them “like a gorilla” that she interpreted to be racist.
On Facebook, Johnson said, “I will never allow these young women to play in an unsafe environment. I will not continue to be disrespected by individuals who believe their status gives them freedom to disrespect black women.”
The Westosha Central District Administrator John Gendron shared with 27 News a letter sent to parents.
In it, he said the district has had positive communication with Beloit administration.
“Both school districts are taking the events from last night very seriously,” Gendron said. “Our mission is to ensure that every student at our school and the students from visiting teams have a safe and enjoyable experience when participating in school activities.”
School District of Beloit Superintendent Dr. Willie Garrison II said he is working with the Westosha school to review the events of that night.
He said Beloit, Westosha and Wilmont school districts along with the Southern Lakes Conference Commissioner decided to recescheule the boys and girls basketball games this week. The girls game has been rescheduled to Jan. 30 and the boys away game to Feb. 20.
In March, the Beloit School District made new policies to protect student athletes from racism and unsportsmanlike behavior after a “racist behavior” at a boys basketball game.
John Gendron’s full statement (Westosha)
Dear Parents,
I am writing to follow up regarding the incident during last night’s girls’ basketball game at Westosha Central High School.
An investigation of the night’s activities has begun and will continue until we gather all the
relevant information. Additionally, the administration of Westosha Central has been and will continue to be in communication with the administration of the School District of Beloit. The communication to date has been positive, and both schools are working together to obtain all of the necessary information and move forward.
Both school districts are taking the events from last night very seriously. Our mission is to ensure that every student at our school and the students from visiting teams have a safe and enjoyable experience when participating in school activities.
We appreciate your continued support and trust in our school community. Thank you for your attention to this important update.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Gendron
District Administrator
Dr. Willie Garrison II statement (Beloit)
Dear School District of Beloit Families,
At Wednesday night’s (12/19) girls Junior Varsity basketball game vs. Westosha, incidents happened involving game officials and later with a spectator(s). Based on the alleged incidents at the Junior Varsity game, our coaches decided not to participate in the Varsity game.
I am collaborating with the Westosha Central High School to review all information and documentation of Wednesday night’s events. Both districts take this matter seriously and will continue to work together.
Considering all students and staff, a decision to reschedule our boys and girls basketball games for this week was jointly made between Westosha Central School District, Wilmot School District, School District of Beloit, and the Southern Lakes Conference Commissioner. We have rescheduled our girls vs. Wilmot basketball home games from December 21 to January 30 and our boys vs. Westosha basketball away games from December 21 to February 20.
The safety of all student-athletes and staff is of the utmost importance to me. I ask for everyone’s patience as we work through this process.
In service,
Dr. Willie E. Garrison II
School District of Beloit
Superintendent
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