Anti-Asian Slurs Yelled At Bolingbrook Basketball Players

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Anti-Asian slurs were yelled at several Bolingbrook High School basketball players during a game at Joliet West on Jan. 22.

Bolingbrook High School senior MJ Langit spoke to NBC 5, and said he was distraught after hearing the slurs.

In a statement to Patch, Joliet Township High School District 204 said it finds the behavior that occurred at the game "completely unacceptable and disappointing."

"This behavior is not reflective of the values of Joliet West High School, our district, or the West basketball team, and we are deeply disturbed and embarrassed that this incident took place," the district said. "In addition, this behavior is in direct opposition of our diversity statement, which reads: 'Joliet Township High School District 204 is committed to cultivating an inclusive community that values and embraces diversity and respects the humanity of all people.'"

The district said it will not tolerate this behavior, and considered it bullying, intimidation and harassment.

The district investigated the incident and identified the individual. The district said the individual is not a JTHS student, but consequences have been issued.

"We are communicating to our student athletes and their families that this type of behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our students and our families to understand the expectations we have for our fans and their treatment of others at any JTHS event," the district said.

In a statement to Patch, Valley View School District Superintendent of Schools Rachel Kinder said the district supported JTHS in its investigation, and also completed an internal investigation of its own.

"We are now focused on actionable steps to address the needs of our students affected by this incident, bring about education and positive action from a negative experience, and support our Asian American students and the larger community," Kinder said. "We continually strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for Every Learner in Valley View School District, yet the reality is that there is so much work to be done. We are committed to the effort to educate, build skills, and confront racist and biased actions, words, and systems."