The Kingsley Schools Superintendent is looking at options for disciplinary action — after a student shared a racist message on social media. “When I had the chance to see the screenshot of what was posted, (I was) thinking it was the most horrific thing I’ve ever seen online.”
Superintendent Keith Smith says a minority student found the post on TikTok – then took a screenshot of it and shared it with his fellow football players in a group conversation on Snapchat. The picture is filled with racist language and shows a chart with a point system for attacking African Americans. Using the “N word” it suggests spitting on them, assaulting them, and even lynching.
Smith says he wants the community to know that other players did not share the post, or even comment on it, but says they should have spoken up. “The young man did not create this, it was not original to him. It’s something he saw on TikTok, took a screenshot of and shared it in the Snapchat group with his teammates.” Smith adds, “We’re all disappointed in the rest of the young men in that Snapchat group that nobody stepped up and said ‘hey this inappropriate, take it down, this is uncalled for.’ But at the same time nobody agreed with it, laughed at it, or condoned it. It looked like most kids just scrolled by it, and without comment.”
He says it is “one of the most vile and reprehensible things I’ve ever seen. There’s no place for it. It doesn’t represent our students or our community. Out of caution we notified law enforcement but we are not sure it rises to that level. We will not brush it under the rug and there will be severe and significant discipline.” He adds, “I was horrified, disappointed, all at the same time.”
Smith says a school investigation is underway, but in the meantime the student has been suspended from participating in the football program. “It was a Snapchat group that was comprised of all football players. When it’s sports instead of in school the student isn’t facing a suspension from school. But when you’re just dealing with athletics you have more latitude to do things – since you don’t have a constitutional right to play sports. You do have a constitutional right to an education.” Smith also says the incident was not related to a 7-on-7 scrimmage with another school — as some on social media claim.
“You don’t want to go too fast for something like this. I know the community wants an immediate reaction but in fairness to the young man who made this mistake he needs to be afforded due process…. We want to make sure we get it right,” Smith says.
The Superintendent says he wants to echo the sentiments of Coach Tim Wooer (see letter below). “Obviously we have failed our students. Kids make mistakes. Adolescents make mistakes. And I understand that. I’m equally disappointed in our young men for failing to stand up and say ‘hey this is inappropriate.’”
As far as the investigation or additional punishment, Smith says, “This is a particularly tricky issue. The Supreme Court just responded to a case of a Texas cheerleader who had made some inflammatory statements on social media. People don’t often remember this but the school literally is the government. And we’re talking about the government disciplining a kid for something that was said on social media, in the summer.” Smith points out this happened off school property when school was not in session.
Football Coach Tim Wooer alerted Smith and sent a letter to football families. Smith shared the letter with 9&10 News, which reads in part:
I would hope that those associated with Kingsley Football, know that character, work ethic, class, community service, and discipline are part of our program. The Kingsley Football Family has been a common theme to unite our community for years. A tradition. The content of this shared message within our program represents the opposite of everything we stand for as a program, school, and community. This behavior is NOT tolerated and WILL NOT be tolerated. I’m hurting. I’m angry. I feel incredible empathy and concern for those who have been hurt. Although our staff teaches character on nearly a daily basis during our season, it is obvious that we have fallen short in the education of student-athletes on issues related to racism and violence. We will use that event as a teachable moment to educate our athletes on leadership, compassion, and equality.
In closing, please trust the process and don’t lose faith in our youth. We need your help to teach and lead by example. Developing young men is a process. This will be a painful process for all parties involved, but we must persevere doing it the right way. No shortcuts. Thank you for your time and support.
Coach Wooer
© 2023 - 910 Media Group