VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — School administrators with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) confirmed Wednesday that an investigation into the boy's varsity baseball program at Kempsville High School uncovered evidence of racism, hate speech, and harassment.
Those findings led to the suspension or forfeiture of the rest of the season.
"Initial communication” went out from Kempsville High Principal Melissa George on May 2, a VBCPS spokesperson told 13News Now.
The message said in part they found issues were ongoing, went broader than the initial allegations, and spanned multiple years.
Another message from Principal George on May 6 announced the forfeiture of the rest of the varsity baseball season.
George extended hope next school year will "bring a stronger varsity baseball team" that represents the school's core values.
A statement issued Wednesday by VBCPS stated in part: "Know that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in our school division. VBCPS values inclusive communities and works to ensure that our staff, students, and community embrace our core values."
Sharde' O’Rourke, a licensed professional counselor with The Mahogany Projek, LLC, said that while encounters with racism aren't new, she thinks everyone in the community can take this as a learning opportunity.
“It really is going to start with just having very candid conversations about not only the history of systemic racism but its possible emotional and psychological impact,” she said.
O'Rourke believes it's going to take everyone, including school leaders, to create positive change.
“It’s not about agreeing with everything more than it is about respect, trust, and safety,” she explained.
Anissa Bowden, a parent of a Virginia Beach student, said her young daughter's classmates used to call her names based on her race.
Bowden called the news out of Kempsville High disappointing but not surprising.
“As parents, we need to come together as one and teach our children to value the differences of other teammates,” she said.
Statements from the school division on Wednesday did not specify what evidence they found concerning racism, hate speech, and harassment. Additionally, it was not revealed exactly who within the team was involved in the behavior.
The Virginia Beach branch of the NAACP issued a statement Wednesday expressing its concern over what happened.
In the statement, VB NAACP President Dr. Eric Majette said they applaud the brave young men who spoke up but that "it is unfortunate that racism still exists and that our youth have had to endure its ugly head."
Read the VB NAACP's full statement below or by clicking here.