Students at Pearl River High School have been accused of making racist remarks during a varsity basketball game.

People who attended the game Tuesday night say when Nyack players made free throws - some on the Pirates' side were heard making noises similar to a monkey's.

Mid-Hudson/Westchester NAACP director Wilbur Aldridge says he's not surprised.

"Pearl River historically has been known, or believed to be, not user friendly of people of color," he says.

Varsity bowling coach Marnie Hogne, a Pearl River native who has taught at the school for more than 25 years, says she's seen so much positive change.

She found out what happened during her team's practice Thursday night in a letter from the superintendent. The letter says in part, "This behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances and the students involved will be addressed through the District's Code of Conduct."

Aldridge says this is a start. The superintendent goes on to say, "I believe this and other recent incidents of disrespect in our school community should serve as a message to each of us to participate in creating positive change."

He asked for parents' help teaching kids to respect others.

News 12 reached out to Nyack schools for comment.