Investigations by a pair of schools in the Chicago suburbs are underway following a record-breaking Illinois high school football crowd at Ryan Field on Friday, Oct. 16.
Evanston Township High School (IL) and New Trier (Winnetka, IL) are both investigating reports of homophobic and racist slurs at Oct. 16's contest at Northwestern's brand-new $862 million stadium.
With an estimated 27,000 fans — outdrawing the Wildcats' homecoming game vs. Ball State on Oct. 10 — it was alleged that New Trier fans directed racist and homophobic comments toward members of the Evanston marching band.
Evanston Township High School District 202 superintendent Marcus Campbell and New Trier Township High School District 203 superintendent Peter Tragos released a joint
statement on Sunday, Oct. 18.
The statement, which was posted to Evanston Township High School's Facebook page, reads as follows:
"Evanston Township High School District 202 and New Trier Township High School District 203 are aware of reports that members of the ETHS Marching Band were subjected to racist and homophobic comments and other offensive behavior by New Trier fans during the October 16 football game at New Ryan Field. We take these reports extremely seriously and recognize the concern they have caused students, families, and our broader communities.
"Standing against racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination is central to the missions of both districts. We have a responsibility to uphold these values through our actions and to teach our students to do the same. Every student deserves to be treated with respect and dignity in our classrooms, in the stands, and wherever students represent their schools.
"Our administrations are working closely together to investigate these reports and determine appropriate next steps. We encourage anyone with firsthand information to share it with their school administration. Our shared commitment is to a thorough review, appropriate action based on the findings, and accountability for discriminatory behavior. We will respect student privacy and maintain appropriate confidentiality throughout this process.
"Friday evening should have been an opportunity to celebrate our students, spirited competition, and the longstanding traditions of our two school communities. For the ETHS Marching Band, it was an especially meaningful opportunity to do what they love: share their talents and proudly represent their school. No student should leave an event where they came to perform, compete, or support their peers feeling that their dignity or belonging were demeaned.
"Both districts are committed to addressing these reports with the seriousness they deserve, upholding our shared values, and ensuring that respect, dignity, and accountability remain fundamental expectations in our school communities."
USA TODAY Sports has reached out to New Trier for comment but has not received a response as of this writing.
"We do not have additional comments at this time," Evanston Director of Communications Reine Hanna said in an email to USA TODAY Sports. "To protect student privacy, we do not anticipate making public any findings from the investigation or any resulting disciplinary action."
The Illinois High School Association also sent USA TODAY Sports a statement.
"We are aware of the joint statement from Evanston Township High School and New Trier High School. We are still in the process of gathering information to determine next steps," IHSA Associate Executive Director Matt Troha said in an email to USA TODAY Sports.
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: Historic Illinois high school football game overshadowed by racism allegations
