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Evanston and New Trier districts probe alleged slurs at Ryan Field rivalry game
The two school districts are investigating reports that New Trier football fans directed racist and homophobic comments at Evanston Township High School band members during Friday’s game. Officials have not released details about the allegations and are asking witnesses to contact school administrators.
Evanston Township High School District 202 and New Trier Township High School District 203 are jointly investigating reports of racist and homophobic comments directed at members of Evanston’s marching band during the schools’ football rivalry game Friday at Northwestern University’s new Ryan Field.
In a joint statement, Evanston Superintendent Marcus Campbell and New Trier Superintendent Peter Tragos said the districts take the reports seriously and recognize the concern they have caused students, families and the broader communities. The statement did not describe the reported comments or identify who may have made them.
The superintendents said the administrations are working together to investigate and determine next steps. They urged anyone with firsthand information to share it with school administrators.
“Every student deserves to be treated with respect and dignity” in school settings and while representing their school, the statement said. It added that no student should leave an event feeling that their dignity or sense of belonging had been diminished.
The districts said opposing racism, homophobia and other discrimination is central to their missions, and that they are committed to accountability. No findings or disciplinary actions have been announced.