JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Raines High School volleyball players were given a choice by their principal: play in a match against Fernandina Beach High School or be dismissed from the team. The ultimatum followed concerns raised by parents after an alleged racist incident occurred at a September match involving Fernandina Beach.<\/p>\n
The school district confirmed the decision was made at the school level and said the principal\u2019s ultimatum is under review after district officials were made aware of the requirement. <\/p>\n
Two families decided not to participate in the match, and Raines High School had previously pulled out of a cross-country meet scheduled at Fernandina Beach following the initial incident.<\/p>\n
The controversy stems from a September volleyball match between Fernandina Beach High School and Andrew Jackson High School. During that match, Fernandina Beach students in the crowd were seen chanting and holding a black baby doll in the air. Nassau County Schools conducted an investigation into the matter and stated that two students were addressed in accordance with district procedures, though the review did not substantiate reports that racial slurs were spoken during the match.<\/p>\n
Reverend Bernard Thompson has served as a community advocate for Andrew Jackson High School students since the initial incident. Thompson described the reaction of student-athletes following the September match. \u201cThey were bewildered. They were trying to figure out, what does all this mean? But they knew it wasn\u2019t good,\u201d Thompson said. He expressed strong support for families who objected to participating in the game against Fernandina Beach. \u201cWe stand behind the girls and their parents. You shouldn\u2019t force your child to come into a situation where they\u2019re not respected or regarded,\u201d Thompson said.<\/p>\n
Alesia Bain, a parent of a Raines High School volleyball player, attended the match to support the team. Bain said her daughter chose to play, but emphasized that students should retain the freedom to decide whether to participate without penalty. \u201cI feel like we shouldn\u2019t take that from the girls. If they want to play, they can play,\u201d Bain said. <\/p>\n
She urged school leaders to respect the choices of individual athletes and families. \u201cI feel like all players should have rights and they should have an option, and again I told my daughter is up to her solely; if she didn\u2019t want to play today I was going to support her 100% and if she did I was gonna still play, support her 100%,\u201d Bain said. Reflecting on the atmosphere, Bain added, \u201cThe whole situation is concerning; at the same time we\u2019re here, open hearts, good attitudes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The school district is currently reviewing the Raines High School principal\u2019s decision regarding player participation and team dismissal.<\/p>\n
Action News Jax asked the Duval County school district about claims that Raines High school volleyball players would be removed from the team if they decided not to play. A spokesperson replied with the following:<\/p>\n
\u201cPrincipal Hall did meet this week with volleyball student-athletes, coaching staff, and families to discuss the upcoming game and outlined measures to support the student-athletes, including an increased presence of district personnel, school police, and school leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cFamilies were also informed that choosing not to participate in the game would result in their student-athletes being dismissed from the team. Two families did make the decision not to participate.\u00a0Discussion of a forfeiture fee took place, but was unrelated to the school\u2019s decision.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe decision regarding student-athlete participation in the\u00a0October 1st\u00a0volleyball game was made at the school level, and the district was recently\u00a0made aware of that decision. As a result, the decision is now currently being reviewed.\u201d<\/p>\n
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