Investigation finds no evidence supporting racial slur allegations at high school football game

According to Jefferson City Schools, investigators reviewed footage from 54 stadium cameras, collected more than 50 written statements and interviews, and worked with administrators from Maynard Jackson High School during the process.

The district said investigators found no evidence that Confederate flags were displayed at the event, no evidence that concession workers spit in food, and no evidence that a Jefferson player spit on a Maynard Jackson player.

School officials also said they found no evidence substantiating allegations that racial slurs were directed at Maynard Jackson students.

In its findings, Jefferson City Schools said that on multiple claims, Maynard Jackson High School either agreed there was no evidence to support the allegations or did not provide additional evidence to substantiate them.

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The district also addressed concerns raised by parents regarding transportation and parking arrangements. Officials found that parking and bus-loading procedures were standard and consistent with how visiting teams are typically handled.

The findings come after Atlanta Public Schools announced it was investigating reports that members of Maynard Jackson High School’s marching band were subjected to racist language while leaving Jefferson High School following the game.

At the time, parents told Channel 2 Action News that students were called racial slurs throughout the night. One parent alleged a Jefferson player spit on her son, while others raised concerns about students having to cross a major roadway to reach buses parked across the street from the stadium.

“From the start of the game, people were calling them the N-word, names,” band parent Spenser Tillman told Channel 2 Action News in the days following the game.

Atlanta Public Schools previously said it was “deeply concerned” by the reports and stated that racism, harassment, and behavior that threatens the safety or dignity of students would not be tolerated.

Jefferson City Schools maintained throughout the process that it was taking the allegations seriously and working closely with Maynard Jackson officials to determine what occurred.

The district said the Georgia High School Association also reviewed the matter and found that both schools demonstrated a “high level of sportsmanship” and respect throughout the game.

Below is the full statement provided to Channel 2 Action News from the Atlanta Public Schools Friday night.

“Atlanta Public Schools (APS) respects the independent review processes conducted by Jefferson City Schools (JCS) and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). We appreciate GHSA’s conclusion that both football teams demonstrated sportsmanship during the contest.

However, that conclusion does not fully address the separate experience reported by members of the Maynard Jackson High School band.

GHSA does not oversee marching band activities, which was the source of the claim and has been the primary focus of our investigation. Band students and support staff at Maynard Jackson High School have reported some students were subjected to the following:

· Being called racial slurs as they entered the game

· Being called racial slurs in the area next to the restroom

· Being called racial slurs while exiting the stadium

While we respect that JCS has stated they “found no evidence to substantiate this claim,” our students’ voices matter and their experiences matter. Allegations involving racism and discriminatory behavior are serious and deserve to be examined with the utmost clarity, transparency, thoroughness, and care.

Multiple band members reported being subjected to racial slurs at several points during their visit. Their concerns were heard by Maynard Jackson High School administration, documented and communicated to JCS.

APS is deeply disheartened that our students were subjected to racial slurs and made to feel unsafe at any point during the contest.

As a school system, we will continue to support our students. APS will also strengthen security measures for out-of-district events to help ensure our students, staff, and families are cared for and protected to the fullest extent possible.”

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