Black leaders call for change after allegations of racist behavior at Kent Island High School athletic events

STEVENSVILLE, Md – Kent Island high school is facing criticism, with one African American leader calling for answers.

The controversy stems from what Convener of the Caucus of African-American Leaders on the Eastern Shore Reverend James Jones, describes as racist incidents involving athletes from the school.

At one incident, racial slurs were allegedly used towards Parkside High school players during a December basketball game.

The Wicomico County School District confirms to 47 ABC that they were made aware of that incident.

Parents in another county, who asked to remain anonymous, shared a disturbing photo of a display during a February track meet involving Kent Island High School students.   That picture showed a stuffed monkey tied upside down next to a black history month poster.

Reverend Jones tells 47 ABC that his committee has heard from multiple parents and concerned parties over similar incidents involving Kent Island High School athletics. He says those people reached out to him because they were disturbed that neither coaches nor parents are stepping in to resolve the situation.

“This is not the first, or the second, third or fourth time that these kinds of incidents have happened,” Jones said adding that he wants to see action taken to prevent any incidents moving forward. 

“Taking responsibility means finding the root of this making adjustments to the criteria of the school, having no tolerance for this behavior just like we have no tolerance for bullying, so people have an understanding and clarity that this can no longer continue,”  he said. 

47 ABC reached out to both Kent Island and Queen Anne’s County school officials but have not yet heard back.

Reverend Jones says his caucus was told by the school district that the issues would be handled, but the reverend says wants more than what he calls “vague promises.”