Five students from Lincoln-Way East faced removal from a varsity football game on Friday night. Their removal followed accusations of engaging in ‘racist harassment’ and displaying ‘offensive’ conduct toward Homewood-Flossmoor spectators in the student bleachers, as reported by the high schools in statements released Saturday.
H-F District 233 Superintendent, Jennifer Norrell, and Principal Clinton Alexander issued a joint statement on the school’s website. They described the incident as a poor choice by the students to partake in disrespectful and racist actions against HF students seated in the bleachers. The statement expressed gratitude towards staff who acted promptly to eject the individuals from the premises, ensuring the safety of other students.
The district is collaborating with Lincoln-Way East leaders and local authorities, exploring ‘all options to prevent such incidents in the future, potentially including legal measures.’
Lincoln-Way East’s district also released a statement, affirming their serious approach to the matter. The statement acknowledged awareness of a group of five students exhibiting inappropriate conduct during the game against Homewood-Flossmoor on Friday night. The students involved are not part of the football team.
Lincoln-Way East extended apologies to the HF community for the student’s behavior, clarifying that such conduct contradicts the standards expected of Lincoln-Way students. The statement mentioned identification of the students in question, assuring adherence to discipline policies and procedures.