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Dear Beachwood Community,
We learned late in the first half of our home football game Friday night against Brooklyn High School that Brooklyn’s team was repeatedly using the word “Nazi” to call out a play. The officials were notified, as was the Brooklyn athletic director and head coach. During halftime, Brooklyn’s coach acknowledged using this word as the play call, apologized, and agreed to change it when the teams returned for the second half. We informed the officials that should this continue, we would pull our players from the field. To our knowledge, “Nazi” was not used during the second half. Late in the game, it was also reported by our team that several Brooklyn players used a racial slur freely throughout the night.
I have consulted with the members of the Beachwood Board of Education, and am issuing this statement on behalf of our district. Antisemitic and racist speech are unacceptable in any setting. They are counter to the norms and expectations we teach our students. They violate the rules of sportsmanship agreed to by every Chagrin Valley Conference school district. We are in contact with the Brooklyn Schools administration and trust they will address this situation in a manner that demonstrates accountability. They have been responsive, appropriately concerned and apologetic. We are confident that the actions of a few are not representative of Brooklyn Schools nor the Brooklyn community.
As we have in the past, we will work closely with Chagrin Valley Conference school districts to address antisemitism and racial slurs. Beachwood Schools will always prioritize the safety of our students and staff, whether in school or during athletic contests. If members of our school community need support for their anger and distress after this incident, we will provide it. If we can assist in repairing the damage done by the actions of Brooklyn’s football team, we will do so as soon as possible. This is not the first time Beachwood student-athletes have been subjected to antisemitic and racist speech. We always hope it will be the last.
Best wishes,
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