Nyack cheerleaders report taunts, racial epithets during football game in Lakeland
A letter from Nyack's superintendent says that Lakeland School District "extended its apologies and is working with our district to appropriately address this situation." It also says that the Yorktown Police Department was notified.
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School districts in Lakeland and Nyack are probing reports that Nyack cheerleaders were taunted and heard racial epithets during and after a varsity football game in Lakeland last week.
"As we understand it, our cheerleaders reported that they were taunted during half-time as well as while getting on the bus following the game," according to a letter sent by Nyack Schools Superintendent Susan Yam. "In addition, some of them heard racial epithets behind them as they stood in line at the concession stand."
The letter says that Lakeland School District "extended its apologies and is working with our district to appropriately address this situation." It also says that the Yorktown Police Department was notified.
NAACP Regional Director Wilbur Aldridge told News 12 that it’s for incident similar to this one to stop. Last year, News 12 reported on racial remarks made by Pearl River students toward Nyack athletes during a basketball game and a track meet.
"We're tired of having to deal with the same kinds of issues,” he said.
Aldridge said he's learned at least one student from Lakeland has been identified and wants high school sports officials to act.
"Until folks see that there's a price to pay, they're going to continue to do this,” he said.
Lakeland has not yet returned News 12’s request for comment.
Section I of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association released a statement:
"Section I does not tolerate negative statements or actions between student-athletes or spectators of opposing schools, inclusive of racial or discriminatory comments or slurs. We will continue to monitor the situation and will support the efforts of school district officials throughout their investigations."
