Local Milwaukee County supervisors have issued a statement in light of a disturbing incident at Waterford High School; students from Rufus King High School were subjected to racist harassment during a track meet last Wednesday. According to a press release from the Milwaukee County Board, the team faced such severe taunts, including comparisons to "monkeys" and jeers involving "chicken and watermelon," that they withdrew from the competition, prioritizing safety over sport.
The incident has been met with outrage and calls for action; the board's Second Vice Chairwoman Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones expressed that the whole scenario unfolded while the Rufus King staff tried their best to de-escalate the situation, to no avail the abuse continued, and the student-athletes' well-being was endangered, leading to their withdrawal. The supervisors are now asking the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association to classify the event as a "rain-out," akin to cancellations due to inclement weather, but in this instance, due to the harmful and unsafe environment endured by the athletes.
The response from the county officials underscores a commitment to the safety and dignity of students, with Coggs-Jones and her colleagues declaring, "We stand with parents and coaches who witnessed attendees hurling demeaning slurs," praising the students for their commitment to non-violence and sportsmanship under immense pressure. It was also stated, "We commend these young men and women for their unwavering commitment to non-violence and for demonstrating true sportsmanship under duress," further solidifying the position of supportive leadership in response to the event's circumstances.
"Waterford had the opportunity to protect our kids—and they failed," said the supervisors, making it clear that such incidents should never mar the spaces designed to foster growth and learning in youth.
