VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) leaders are considering what's next after finding several years of racism that existed within the varsity baseball program at Kempsville High School.
Via a statement, VBCPS confirmed Wednesday that evidence of racism, hate speech and harassment was uncovered.
Due to federal law meant to protect the privacy of student education records and policy, administrators cannot comment on what specifically investigators found.
In a statement issued Thursday, they reiterated a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to those acts.
"Kempsville High School has taken immediate steps to provide all coaches, activities sponsors and student-athletes with professional development and/or education plans that create a culturally responsive and inclusive team with an emphasis on VBCPS’ zero tolerance for racism, hate speech and harassment," Thursday's statement added in part.
Moreover, a VBCPS spokesperson said they cannot discuss employee or student disciplinary actions.
In a series of videos viewed by 13News Now, a Virginia mother shared her son's experience playing on a high school baseball team.
She did not say where her child attends. However, our viewers in Virginia Beach connect to the posts to Kempsville High School.
In one video, the mom said their son recently opened up about some teammates who, for years, bullied him, insulted him and called him disparaging names based on his race.
The mother stated on Facebook Tuesday that her family is seeking legal counsel.
A message sent by Principal Melissa George on May 2 said a lengthy investigation found the issues were ongoing, broader than the initial allegations and spanned multiple years.
On May 6, Principal George announced an investigation led to the forfeiture of the rest of the varsity baseball season at Kempsville.
Retired educator of 35 years and educational consultant Dr. Rebecca Good thinks it shouldn't stop there.
"It's good that they forfeited the rest of the season. That sent a very strong message. That's very good, but what parents should be looking for and asking for if they don't get it is 'OK, what else are you going to do?' Forfeiting the rest of the season is not a way of stopping racism, especially systemic racism," said Dr. Good.
Dr. Good, a former teacher, principal, assistant principal and school superintendent, believes everyone, including students, will need to get involved on the path forward.
"We need that plan of action involving, and it could be more than parents, school personnel, parents, community members," Dr. Good suggested. "The fact that it's been going on for years and has caused a forfeit of the season means that it was severe."
The school division's Department of School Leadership, the Office of Student Leadership, along with the Beach District Principals’ Association are working together on developing action plans "to address areas of concern," the spokesperson went on to say.
Below you can read the full statement issued by VBCPS to 13News Now Thursday:
"Kempsville High School has taken immediate steps to provide all coaches, activities sponsors and student-athletes with professional development and/or education plans that create a culturally responsive and inclusive team with an emphasis on VBCPS’ zero tolerance for racism, hate speech and harassment.
At the division level, the Department of School Leadership, the Office of Student Leadership, along with the Beach District Principals’ Association are working collaboratively to investigate the development of action plans to address areas of concern.
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has partnered with multiple entities (e.g.: the VBCPS Equity Council, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater) to help VBCPS staff better understand how we think and how we interact with others.
VBCPS is committed to creating safe and welcoming environments for both students and staff in all schools and on all teams."