The Nassau County School District says it is investigating “racially offensive behavior” at a volleyball match between Andrew Jackson High and Fernandina Beach on Thursday.
An Andrew Jackson parent said in a Facebook post that what the student-athletes and families witnessed from the stands was “disgusting and unacceptable.”
She said that during the game, several Fernandina Beach students held up a Black baby doll “while making racial slurs, chants, and gestures” directed toward Andrew Jackson players.
Then, when one of the Andrew Jackson players got injured, the parent said Fernandina students held the Black doll upside down and made jokes.
The school district released the statement below about the alleged incident, saying that racism has no place in its schools.
Nassau County School District became aware of deeply troubling allegations involving student behavior during last night’s volleyball match between Fernandina Beach High School and Andrew Jackson High School.
We recognize these allegations are deeply upsetting to the students, families, staff, and community members involved. We take reports of racially offensive behavior extremely seriously. Racism has no place in our schools or at our athletic events, and every student-athlete and guest deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
District and school administrators have begun an immediate investigation, including reviewing available video, gathering information from students, coaches, staff, and others who were present, and communicating with Duval County Public Schools. The district will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation and in accordance with district policies.
Because this is an active investigation involving students, we cannot comment further at this time. We will provide updates as appropriate while respecting student privacy and the integrity of the investigative process.
The NACCP Jacksonville Branch said it “unequivocally condemns, in the stronger possible terms,” the behavior at the game.
“This conduct is unacceptable, disgraceful, and demands a serious response,” the organization said in a statement. “We call for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into these reports. Those found responsible must be held fully accountable, and school officials must take decisive action to ensure this never happens again.
“Silence and inaction are not acceptable. The Jacksonville Branch NAACP stands firmly with the Andrew Jackson High School volleyball players, their families, coaches, and school community. We will continue to demand dignity, justice, and equal respect for every student.”
A statement from Duval County Public Schools said:
We are aware of reports of concerning and unacceptable behavior during Thursday night’s volleyball game at a Nassau County school where Andrew Jackson High School was the visiting team. We recognize the seriousness of the concerns raised, including the reported racial implications, and the impact on our students, families, staff, and broader Duval County community.
Nassau County School District’s Superintendent has been in communication with DCPS Superintendent Dr. Bernier and we appreciate their commitment to reviewing the facts and taking appropriate action. Extra-curricular activities should provide a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all students. Behavior that undermines these values has no place in our schools and at school-sponsored events. We will remain in communication with Nassau County Public Schools as the matter is addressed and continue to support our students and school community.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner. Dan Scanlan of Jacksonville Today contributed.
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