SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Officials from both Lincoln High School and San Clemente High School confirmed that Lincoln High cheer and drill team members were subjected to racial taunting during a football game at San Clemente High earlier this month.
In a Facebook post, Lincoln High Principal Stephanie Brown wrote that an investigation into claims stemming from the Sept. 13 game revealed Lincoln High students were verbally abused with racial and anti-gay slurs.
Brown said in the post: “African-American students in particular were told to go back to Africa. Lincoln students were harassed as they tried to buy refreshments and use the restrooms. Security guards and staff for the home team ignored repeated requests for assistance.”
Brown credited the Lincoln High students for responding to the hateful comments with dignity and self-control.
She went on to say that a full copy of the investigation’s finding would be posted this week.
Meanwhile, a Capistrano Unified School District spokesperson said the people behind the racial taunting have not been identified, but they do believe they are San Clemente High students, based on witness statements.
In a letter addressed to the Lincoln High and San Clemente High communities, San Clemente High Principal Chris Carter wrote that he and his administrative staff “deeply regret the pain caused to both the individual students affected and the Lincoln High School community as a whole and extend our sincerest apologies.”
According to Carter eight hours of video captured during the game from multiple cameras throughout the stadium were reviewed during the investigation.
RELATED:
-- Lincoln High investigates reports of racist taunts made by San Clemente High fans at football game
-- Activists want answers after reports of racial taunts at Lincoln High-San Clemente High football game
-- Lincoln High School student talks about racial taunts
Carter said the school and district will not tolerate racist and hateful rhetoric.
In response to the incident, both schools will take part in a one-day workshop facilitated by the Anti-Defamation League, with the goal to start and engage in conversations that address bias, bullying and allyship.
Carter also said San Clemente High will continue working with the Anti-Defamation League in hopes of becoming a more welcoming and inclusive place for students and visitors.
