The first incident occurred Sept. 4 during a football game between the schools. The IHSA said an investigation found Lincoln-Way East students were recorded making racist gestures and harassing Homewood-Flossmoor students and fans. The students involved were not participants in the game. They later withdrew from Lincoln-Way East, so the association said they were not subject to additional IHSA sanctions.

The next day, Homewood-Flossmoor cross-country runners reported that Lincoln-Way East coaches made inappropriate remarks during a meet. The IHSA said it reviewed statements and other evidence but could not confirm that coaches used malicious language toward anyone at the event.

The association said the coaches nevertheless showed poor judgment in language used with their own athletes. It noted that a section of the course has long been referred to by a term that might seem harmless in one setting but can carry a racially insensitive meaning in another. The IHSA accepted educational requirements Lincoln-Way East assigned to its coaches.

The IHSA credited the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 school board with responding promptly, condemning the racist behavior and addressing the situation. In a statement, the district said it remains committed to cultural understanding and to making its schools safe and welcoming. The board discussed next steps at a meeting Thursday.

The incidents have prompted student action at Lincoln-Way East, including a walkout protesting racism and calling on school leaders to respond. The IHSA’s probation will remain in effect for the rest of the 2026-27 school year.