High Schoolers Accused of Using Racially Charged USA Chant at Basketball Game

Image Credit: @MHS_Nest

MANSFIELD, MA — It was only a year or two ago that an American-themed night at a high school basketball game was seen as innocent fun. But with racial tensions escalating, the rise of Donald Trump's campaign for president, and accusations over who real Americans are, Mansfield High School now finds itself under criticism.

High school students at Mansfield High School are disputing accusations that a USA chant was used with a racially charged undertone during a game against a school with a high number of immigrants.

Friday night, Mansfield fans used the chant during a tournament game between the Hornets boys' basketball team and the Brockton Boxers. The chant was part of an American-themed evening which saw fans from Mansfield wear red, white, and blue while chanting the country's name.

Noube Rateau, a former Brockton High student who was at the game, told the Brockton Spark Monday that the chants were a "blatant implication that Brockton players and fans -- many of whom are immigrants -- were un-American."

In a statement, Mansfield Superintendent Zeffro Gianetti said the USA theme was chosen days before the game was scheduled and is part of a series of theme nights and was not intended to offend.

"Mansfield officials explained that chants of USA, USA and red, white and blue colors were part of a Mansfield Athletic Department's ongoing theme nights at games. Brockton officials explained that many of their players and fans, whose families come from other countries, felt targeted and uncomfortable," Gianetti said in a statement.

Brockton is known as one of the more racially diverse cities south of Boston. According to the U.S. Census, 31.2 percent of the city is African-American and 10 percent is Hispanic.

On the Mansfield Patch Facebook page, commenters generally sided with Mansfield students.

"This is absolutely crazy. I'm from another country my son born in the USA was at the game and I did not feel targeted," Ken Collins wrote.

"Wait a minute, last time I checked, Brockton was located in Massachusetts which is, to the best of my knowledge, a part of the United States, no?," Sherry Lyn added.

"This might be one of the most pathetic things I've read that pertained to someone being 'offended'," Cory Cronin said.

Some comments questioned the theme night.

"Why would you have themed nights during the playoffs when you are supposed to be supporting your home team in home colors" Robin Lowe posted.

Gianetti met with Brockton Superintendent Kathleen Smith, calling the issue a teachable moment. Gianetti said that in the future, opposing teams will be made aware of themes and plans.

"That way, perhaps our teams can join in, rather than feel they are a target," Gianetti said. "It is incumbent on all of us to stress to our students and others that rivalry on the court, whether you win or lose, is healthy and part of the high-school experience. We both agree that taunting and jeering are not appropriate at athletic events. We are meeting together tomorrow to further discuss the game and move forward to plan proactively for future events."