Marble Falls ISD investigates alleged racist incident at basketball tournament

MARBLE FALLS, Texas — Marble Falls ISD confirmed it was investigating reports of a racist incident at a girls’ basketball tournament in Marble Falls on Friday.

“The Marble Falls School District has an unyielding commitment to loving and inspiring every child to reach their full potential, and this extends to children outside of our school district. We will continue to work with the East Central High administration to fully investigate this and hold students accountable for their actions,” the district said in a statement Monday. “Marble Falls ISD does not condone any form of discrimination, and we would like to.” that the students of East Central know they have our full support.”

Corresponding KSATof ABC News’ San Antonio affiliate, students seated in the Marble Falls student wing reportedly yelled monkey noises as East-Central High school senior shot free throws. The incident was caught on camera and shared on twitter by Asia Prodhomme, the student who took the free throws herself.

“This is sad, heartbreaking and inappropriate. I can’t even play basketball without ignorance and racism in the stands. This really broke my heart, my coaches and teammates… please share and help us punish those involved,” she said.

KSAT also reports that it wasn’t an isolated incident as these noises continued throughout the first half of the game. According to the report, a East-Central One parent eventually went to a Marble Falls administrator and asked him to speak to the students in question.

East Central coach Vanessa Villareal also expressed frustration on Twitter.

“This situation was tough,” she wrote. “It was hard to talk to my girls about it. This didn’t ruin our weekend. Our kids have grown and I wish I could show what our girls did on the bus after we talked about it. Our girls are amazing people who love each other so much ! I love her for that!”

The East Central basketball team also shared a statement on Twitter, which read:

“On Friday afternoon, our team went through a very difficult game at a tournament. Unfortunately, one of our athletes had to go through a racist situation that was very hurtful and unacceptable. Our athletes, coaching staff and parents do not agree with what happened! We appreciate the sports office and administration of both schools working to manage this situation. We are a strong family and we have each other again! None of these measures will change the memories we made overall this weekend. Our team has grown even more a family on this journey! Thank you everyone for your support of our #32 and our entire team!”

According to KSAT, the East Central Lady Hornets lost to the Lady Mustangs of Marble Falls 58-50 after a “significant lazy disparity.” However, later Friday night, the Mustangs basketball team tweeted that they would not be playing on Saturday due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

The following letter was shared by Marble Falls ISD Director Damon Adams on November 20:

“The administration of Marble Falls High School is investigating allegations that one or more students made insensitive comments or noises during a recent basketball tournament. Marble Falls ISD has high expectations of our students and specifically addresses discriminatory behavior in our Student Code of Conduct:

“Because all human beings have a purpose, immeasurable worth and were created to carry an indescribably special image, this SCC treats discrimination with particular emphasis.

“Students must not use discriminatory language or engage in communications that contain discriminatory messages, images or transmissions. Discrimination is defined as any conduct towards a person based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or any other reason prohibited by law that adversely affects the person against whom the discrimination is directed. In addition, engaging in this behavior could directly or indirectly affect other students. Engaging in discriminatory behavior may be treated as serious misconduct (Student Code of Conduct, p. 6).

“The school administration is reviewing the video footage and will interview students and patrons who participated in the game to ensure a thorough investigation. Marble Falls High School takes these allegations seriously and will hold students accountable for any behavior that violates our expectations.

“As Principal, I regret that any player or guest who attended our tournament experienced anything from our student body that made them feel uncomfortable or devalued. I am saddened that the behavior of a very small number of students could spoil the impression others have of the incredible group of children who make up our student body.

“Federal law prevents me from sharing specific information about individual students and disciplinary consequences. Still, I hope that by sharing this information about the emphasis our district places on how we treat others, I can provide some assurance that we will take whatever steps are necessary to hold students accountable and continue to provide a caring and inclusive to promote culture at Marble Falls High School.”

Prudhomme recently celebrated them 1000th career pointso the Lady Hornets.

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