NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) - Norfolk Public Schools will be on probation for the rest of the year after racial slurs were shouted at a girls basketball team from Omaha Northwest on Feb. 12, the Nebraska School Activities Association announced Thursday.
The association said Norfolk schools were not able to find who was responsible for the slurs. But the district has already implemented some positive changes, NSAA Director Jay Bellar said.
The district has written a formal apology to Omaha Public Schools, changed seating arrangements at activities and is developing an equity and diversity plan for all grade levels.
If another incident occurs before the school year ends, additional sanctions would be imposed, Bellar said.
The Norfolk Board of Education voted unanimously not to appeal the NSAA’s decision during an executive session Thursday, The Norfolk Daily News reported.
“We are very sorry that this egregious incident occurred. I hope that people know this does not reflect Norfolk Public Schools as a whole,” said Sandy Wolfe, board president. “We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and will work to ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe within our schools.”
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