Atlanta Public Schools is investigating allegations that racial slurs were hurled at students after a football game Friday night.
Channel 2’s Eryn Rogers spoke to parents at Maynard Jackson High School. They said the team traveled more than an hour and a half to the game, and when the football players, cheerleaders, and band members arrived, they said their students were harassed.
“From the start of the game, people were calling them the N word, names,” said band parent Spenser Tillman.
One mother of a football player who was at the game told Rogers a player spit on her son.
Parents also said their students were put in an unsafe position.
“They made Maynard’s bus park across the street from the school, and they were saying it wasn’t a lit environment, so there wasn’t a lot of light over there, of course it’s at night time,” Annika Tillman said.
She said the students had to walk in groups across a major road in order to not get hit by a car.
APS says no students were physically harmed, but says this kind of behavior is not taken lightly.
“Racism, harassment, and any behavior that threatens the safety or dignity of students are unacceptable,” APS leaders said in a statement.
They are working with administrators from Jefferson High School to investigate the incident.
Jefferson City Schools shared a statement saying that they are also investigating.
“Jefferson City Schools is aware of concerns regarding Friday night’s athletic event. Jefferson High School administrators are working closely with Maynard Jackson High School officials,” reads the statement. “We are carefully investigating and gathering information to determine the specifics and appropriate next steps. We take these matters seriously.
