BLM RI PAC Says Reported Racist Incident at Boys Basketball Game Needs to Be Investigated
Tuesday, February 07, 2023
The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee is calling for an alleged incident of discrimination faced by Pawtucket high school student athletes at an away basketball game in Tiverton to be investigated.
“As a senior and student-athlete at Shea High School, I am enraged, because these are my friends, classmates, and teammates. The blatant racism that prominently Black student athletes face when playing against schools in Rhode Island is sickening," said BLM RI PAC’s Vice President Zachary Pinto. "This is reflective of not just a few racist people in Tiverton but of a deeply rooted culture of racism in our society. No student athlete should ever have to endure racist and hateful remarks from spectators.”
On Monday, BLM RI PAC released the following statement:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"On Thursday evening February 2nd, 2023, Shea High School's boys basketball team played an away game at Tiverton High School. During the game racial slurs were heard from spectators, such as the n-word and other slurs, as well as making monkey noises when players were taking their free throws. It was reported to us that parents and students from Tiverton were the culprits. We have received these allegations from multiple students, student athletes, teachers and parents who attended the game in support of Shea High School.
This culture of blatant racism is still alive, not only across the country but right here in Rhode Island. This is a startling trend, as just recently racist and discriminatory propaganda was found at one of our local state colleges. We are deeply saddened not only for the student athletes but also for any family, friends, or community members that had to witness such heinous acts. It's a surprise to us that the town of Tiverton would foster a culture where outright racism is tolerated. We demand those who committed these vile acts be brought under investigation by the Tiverton School District, the town of Tiverton, and the Rhode Island Department of Education. The use of racist and intolerant language has no place in our society and especially our schools."
Tiverton's superintendent did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
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