Nassau County school officials announced an investigation of what it termed a "deeply troubling" incident during a Sept. 10 girls volleyball match between host Fernandina Beach High School and visitor Jackson High School, which involved reported racist fan behavior.
The incident drew condemnation Friday from the Jacksonville branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. First Coast News reported that the alleged incident involved racial slurs and gestures, as well as the use of a Black baby doll being lifted up in the crowd.
In a statement issued Sept. 11, the Nassau County School District said it became aware of "deeply troubling allegations involving student behavior" during the match.
"We recognize these allegations
are deeply upsetting to the students, families, staff, and community members involved. We take reports of racially offensive behavior extremely seriously," the district's statement said. "Racism has no place in our schools or at our athletic events, and every student-athlete and guest deserves to be treated with dignity and respect."
The district said it has begun an immediate investigation, and is also coordinating with Duval County Public Schools.
NAACP: Fernandina Beach volleyball incident 'racist and abhorrent'
In a statement released to its Facebook page Friday afternoon, the Jacksonville NAACP said it "unequivocally condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the reported racist and abhorrent conduct directed at the volleyball players of Andrew Jackson High School by students, fans, and others at Fernandina Beach High School."
"Racism, bigotry, and intimidation have absolutely no place in our schools, our athletic programs, or any public gathering. Student-athletes deserve to compete in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from hatred. No young person should ever be subjected to racial harassment while representing their school and pursuing the sport they love.
"This conduct is unacceptable, disgraceful, and demands a serious response. We call for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into these reports. Those found responsible must be held fully accountable, and school officials must take decisive action to ensure this never happens again.
"Silence and inaction are not acceptable. The Jacksonville Branch NAACP stands firmly with the Andrew Jackson High School volleyball players, their families, coaches, and school community. We will continue to demand dignity, justice, and equal respect for every student."
What happened in Fernandina Beach vs. Jackson volleyball?
At least one photo circulated online has shown a member of the crowd raising an object, resembling a doll, high into the air during the match.
A video feed of the match through the NFHS Network included a pause in the action after an injury stoppage late in the second set, about 43 minutes into the recording. Two Jackson players approached the referee during a timeout, and appeared to indicate a gesture being made by someone in the crowd. The referee then summoned a Fernandina Beach administrator, who entered the court, met with the referee and then appeared to speak to the student section for about 20 seconds. The match then continued, with Fernandina Beach eventually winning in three sets.
Due to the audio quality, it was not immediately clear on the video what was said during this stoppage.
A statement to the Instagram page of Jackson's athletic department said, "Despite the challenges presented by this situation, I am extremely proud of our Andrew Jackson volleyball team. Our student-athletes displayed class, composure, maturity, and sportsmanship throughout a very difficult circumstance."
Jackson athletic director John Sanchez declined further comment, citing the continuing investigation. The Nassau County School District also said there would be no comment at this time beyond the content of its initial statement. A message for the Fernandina Beach athletic department was not returned as of Friday afternoon.
In addition to Nassau County's investigation, the incident potentially could also draw the scrutiny of the Florida High School Athletic Association.
Under FHSAA Bylaw 7.2, an individual "directing sex, racial or ethnic slurs toward a contest official, an opponent or any other person attending an athletic contest" would be guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct, and subject to exclusion from athletic competition for a period up to one or more calendar years under FHSAA Bylaw 7.2.1.1. Spectator misconduct can also lead to penalties against a school under FHSAA Bylaw 7.2.3.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Nassau County investigates 'deeply troubling' volleyball allegations
