The allegations of homophobic and racial slurs during a rivalry football game between New Trier (Winnetka, IL) and Evanston Township (IL) on Oct. 16 at Northwestern's brand-new $862 million stadium have been supported by evidence.
New Trier Superintendent Dr. Peter W. Tragos said in a statement on Monday, Nov. 9, that a joint investigation between the two schools found evidence supporting the alleged hateful slurs New Trier students directed at Evanston band members.
"Since the game, we have conducted more than 40 interviews with students and staff," Tragos said in the statement. "We have also followed up on reports submitted through TrevTips and email, reviewed available videos, photographs, and social media material, and conducted additional
interviews as new information emerged. This work has continued in collaboration with Evanston Township High School.
"I want to make clear that the investigation supports accounts of hateful language and actions directed toward the Evanston marching band from individuals in the New Trier student section. We take these accounts seriously and recognize the hurt this incident has caused."
Evanston Director of Communications Reine Hanna confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that Evanston worked with New Trier to investigate the claims.
"We have been working closely with the New Trier administration throughout this process," Hanna said in an email. "We recognize that the conversations this incident has prompted, and the work they call for, extend well beyond this moment. We appreciate New Trier’s unequivocal acknowledgment of the experiences of our students, as well as its commitment to the work ahead.
While Tragos did say there is evidence that supports the alleged racist and homophobic slurs being used, he added that the crowd noise from the record-breaking 27,000 fans and students wearing similar outfits in the student section has "complicated" the efforts made to "identify who said the particular words."
“I understand that this update might not satisfy those seeking individual accountability,” Tragos said. “We share the desire to hold those responsible accountable, and we will continue our investigation. Decisions about an individual’s responsibility must be based on evidence.
"Our disciplinary policies provide for consequences based on the conduct and circumstances, along with education and restorative practices to address harm, repair relationships, and prevent recurrence. To protect student privacy, we do not publicly discuss individual students’ disciplinary matters."
According to The Record North Shore, the statement from New Trier comes out one day after the New Trier Board of Education meeting on Sunday, Nov. 8, where "student discipline” was an agenda item, but no action was taken. New Trier school’s chief communications officer told The Record the school “(does) not discuss specifics” related to student discipline.
USA TODAY Sports reached out to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for comment on this situation but has not received a response as of this writing.
The allegations of racism are not new to the Chicago suburbs this football season. The IHSA placed Lincoln-Way East on probation for the remainder of the year following a pair of alleged racist incidents earlier in the season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Investigation finds evidence of racist, homophobic slurs at Illinois rivalry football game
