Parkview (Mo.) High School student athletes with 'Latino-sounding' last names were reportedly the target of racist taunts by the Joplin High School student section during a recent basketball game.
Parkview parents sent an email to Joplin officials saying that they heard the taunts at the Feb. 25 game come from the Joplin student section, including chants that they would “call ICE on them at the end of the game.”
Stephen Hall, chief communication officer for Springfield Public Schools was also notified of the concerns.
"SPS is aware that our Parkview representatives experienced unacceptable behavior that made students feel targeted and unwelcome during a basketball game this week," Hall said Thursday, in response to a request from the Springfield News-Leader. "The district is taking action to help address the situation. This includes follow-up with our student athletes to reiterate our support, communication to their families to assure them the situation is being appropriately addressed, and ongoing conversations with the administration in Joplin to prevent these circumstances in the future."
Sarah Coyne, director of communications and community engagement, said the district takes the situation "very seriously" and remains committed to "fostering a positive and respectful environment for all students, staff, and visitors."
"During the game, our administrators worked with the on-site Parkview administrative staff to take immediate action in addressing exchanges between students from both schools. When reports of inappropriate conduct surfaced, our administrative team responded immediately to investigate and address them," the statement read.
The email sent by Parkview parents to Joplin officials and the Missouri State High School Activities Association was obtained by the News-Leader.
"While spirited competition and school pride are natural elements of high school sports, the behavior displayed by members of the Joplin student section and the lack of intervention by school administration crossed the line into unacceptable and racist conduct," the Parkview parents wrote in the email.
"Specifically, multiple witnesses reported that members of the Joplin student section taunted Parkview players with Latino-sounding names or appearances, chanting that they would 'call ICE on them at the end of the game.' This type of remark is not just inappropriate — it is racially charged, xenophobic, and entirely unacceptable in any school setting."
"The inaction in this case sends a dangerous message: that racially motivated taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct will be tolerated," the parents wrote. "Such indifference not only harms the students who were targeted but also reflects poorly on Joplin High School and its community."
