VB school board to discuss sports culture after Kempsville racism issues

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — At Tuesday’s board meeting, Virginia Beach school leaders implemented new anti-bullying training for staff and discussed the school’s sports culture about three months after allegations of racism were made against the baseball team of Kempsville High School, causing their season to fall short. ends abruptly.

See previous coverage: Kempsville, VBCPS families release statements on racial harassment incidents at baseball team

Kempsville, VBCPS families release statements on racial harassment incidents on baseball team

The school board agenda says board members will discuss “culturally responsive practices” for athletics and activities on Tuesday.

The agenda did not say whether the discussion was prompted by the situation at Kempsville High. However, following the allegations against the team, many members of the community expressed concern about the team’s culture and the well-being of the students targeted by the hate speech.

Heading into Tuesday’s meeting, School Board President Kim Melnyk commented on the topic to be discussed.

“It’s certainly in response to some things that have happened in the community. I think it’s a conversation that’s overdue and one that we as leaders need to focus on and have a conversation about,” Melnyk said.

Follow previous coverage: Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools calls Kempsville High racism allegations ‘disappointing’

Virginia Beach City Public Schools Superintendent Calls Kempsville High School Racism Allegations ‘Disappointing’

Many VB parents were present at tonight’s school board meeting and agree with the decision for new educational training.

“It’s a step in the right direction and it’s long overdue. Kids think they can get away with anything,” said James Okonawo, a parent.

In May, News 3 was the first to report on the school’s investigation into the baseball team’s conduct. VBCPS later confirmed that hate speech, harassment and racism were evident.

“Obviously they haven’t been taught at home that this behavior is unacceptable,” one parent said Tuesday.

Watch: Racism, hate speech, blatant bullying at Kempsville baseball team

Racism, hate speech, bullying evident on Kempsville baseball team, VBCPS says

The allegations were made public after the mother of a black player took to Facebook and said her son had been called racial slurs, including the n-word. Since April, the mother has posted several videos publicly on her Facebook page. In the videos, she said the comments were sometimes jokes, sometimes not.

“I’m absolutely disgusted,” she said in one of the videos.

The feeling was quick: two assistant coaches and the head coach are no longer with the team. It’s unclear if the players faced any consequences, although one parent told News 3 his son was suspended from school for six days.

Follow previous coverage: Kempsville High brings in new head baseball coach following racism on team

Kempsville High School is bringing in a new head baseball coach

After Tuesday’s meeting, coaches must complete a 2-hour course, while students and parents will be required to watch a 3-minute video promoting fostering an inclusive environment.

“I think it’s a conversation that’s overdue and one that we as leaders need to focus on and have a conversation about,” Melnyk said.

The school principal, VBCPS superintendent, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, Virginia Beach NAACP president and other city leaders condemned the behavior.

Luke Stice, who coached the JV team for two years, was named the team’s new head coach in July. He said he wants to help the team heal after last season’s tumultuous end.

“As we begin to write the next chapter for the Kempsville baseball program, I want to emphasize that winning will not be our top priority,” Stice said. “Our top priority will be maintaining love and respect for the game, teammates, coaches, opponents and community.”