HOMEWOOD, IL — The NAACP Chicago Far South Suburban Branch is speaking out after a racist incident between Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Lincoln-Way East High School football fans.
The incident—captured on video by several in the stands during the two teams' varsity game Friday—showed five students mimicking the movements and sounds of monkeys, flapping their arms and crawling on the ground.
The harassment happened near the end of the 3rd quarter. Students present said the visiting fans also called them monkeys before Homewood-Flossmoor HS staff removed them from the property, school administration said. Videos were shared on social media and were widely circulated within hours, sparking rage and disdain across the community.
"We are deeply disturbed by the reported racist harassment directed toward Homewood-Flossmoor High School students during the Sept. 4 football game involving Lincoln-Way East High School," the organization said in a statement issued by NAACP Chicago Far South Suburban Branch President Gary Dingle.
"Racial slurs, racist gestures, and dehumanizing conduct have no place in our schools, athletic programs, or communities. Such behavior cannot be dismissed as a joke or simply attributed to youthful misconduct. It causes real harm and reinforces a culture of intolerance that we must work together to eliminate.
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"We commend the Homewood-Flossmoor administrators and staff for responding to the incident and protecting their students. We also acknowledge Lincoln-Way East's public apology and its stated commitment to addressing the conduct through its disciplinary process.
"An apology, however, must be accompanied by accountability and meaningful action."
In a statement provided Sunday, the IHSA addressed the fans' behavior, noting that the school is cooperating in determining next steps.
"The IHSA strongly condemns the racist actions that were perpetrated by a small number of Lincoln-Way East High School students in attendance at its football game against Homewood-Flossmoor High School on September 4," said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. "High school sports are defined by community and camaraderie, and every high school student-athlete in Illinois deserves to compete in a safe and respectful environment. These values are requisite to remain a member in good standing of the IHSA, and the Lincoln-Way East administration has affirmed that they recognize the serious nature of this situation and are acting accordingly. We will be working with both schools to make sure an appropriate resolution is reached and to be a resource in any way that we can."
The local chapter of the NAACP called on the school district and Illinois High School Association to "ensure that this incident is thoroughly reviewed and appropriately addressed in accordance with established policies and applicable law.
"We also encourage both school communities to strengthen efforts around racial equity, student accountability, respect, and inclusion so that every student can participate in school activities without fear of racial intimidation or humiliation.
"We will not normalize racism. We will not excuse it. And we will not remain silent.
"We stand with the students, families, educators, and Homewood-Flossmoor community. Every young person deserves to learn, compete, and participate in their community with dignity and respect."
The Chicago Far South Suburban Branch NAACP said it "remains committed to confronting racism, protecting our children, and building communities where every student is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect."
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