Haddonfield School Cancels Boys Lacrosse Season After Racial Slur

The rest of a high school sports season was canceled after one of the players allegedly called a female student at another school a racial slur, according to school officials.

The decision to cancel the boys lacrosse season comes after a complaint was made by a visiting athlete that a Haddonfield student used a racial slur directed towards her, according to a statement from the district.

During the course of an investigation, some issues were discovered "that are completely unacceptable for this
community," according to the statement.

The incident happened on May 1, according to the Camden County NAACP, when a Haddonfield boys' lacrosse team player allegedly told a black athlete from the Sterling High School track team to get off the Haddonfield track and called her the n-word.

In light of the probe's findings, the Haddonfield Public School District says it has taken, and will be taking, the following actions:

• Effective immediately, the remainder of the boys lacrosse season is cancelled.
• Outreach has been made to the NAACP, Anti-defamation League, and other professionals to assist with resources, curricula support, and training.
• Dialogue regarding diversity and inclusiveness has begun, and will continue to be held, involving the student body. These discussions will be student driven and involve various student-led groups, including but not limited to the Diversity Club, peer mediators, Human Relations Club, etc.
• Diversity, sensitivity, and empathy training will be conducted for our students, staff, and coaches.
• Additional procedures and requirements for all sports teams.

"There is no room for hate of any kind at Haddonfield Schools and it will not be tolerated," the statement said. "It is not who we are and it does not represent our student body.

The district noted that the Haddonfield Board of Education’s Human Dignity Statement, which is posted in the classrooms of the high school, states that "each person has an inherent worth and has something to contribute. Diversity is a source of strength. Treating each other with respect and valuing differences eliminates prejudice, builds cooperation, and makes us a stronger community."

"These unfortunate incidents have caused the district to closely examine itself and we recognize that we need to do a better job of ensuring that all are respected, and at all times," according to the statement. "We will work hard to accomplish this task going forward."

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