Camas investigation reveals ‘racial microaggressions’ toward Black Skyview athlete

A week-long investigation into alleged racist language used by Camas High School baseball players toward a Black Skyview player concluded Wednesday with Camas acknowledging “racial microaggressions” took place at the April 20 junior-varsity baseball game between the two schools.

In a joint email by Camas principal Tom Morris and athletic director Rory Oster sent to Skyview’s administration and its baseball program at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, Camas officials said that while not all allegations by Skyview were confirmed, “we do know that our players engaged in racial microaggressions” at the JV game at Camas High School last week.

“Their actions and the inaction of the athletes who witnessed these acts, clearly illustrate that a problem exists in our (baseball) team,” Morris and Oster said in their letter to Skyview. “We are deeply sorry this occurred and apologize for the harm our players caused to Skyview team members.”

A copy of Morris and Oster’s email to Skyview was provided to The Columbian voluntarily by the Camas School District at 5:59 p.m. Wednesday. It also was shared with the Camas community, adding the district cannot share information about student discipline.

On Sunday, Skyview head baseball coach Seth Johnson issued a personal statement, urging players who allegedly used racist language be held accountable.

“Over the past few days with my interactions with Camas, at times I have not felt comfortable with where the investigation is heading,” Johnson wrote. “They have taken a stance that numerous words overheard by some Skyview players only rhymed with the “N-word” and the sounds coming out of their dugout throughout the game were instead “Seal” noises.”

All Camas JV games remain canceled “until the situation with Skyview and Camas JV baseball teams is resolved.” Additionally, Camas’ staff will work with students to determine how the harm caused to Skyview can be repaired, according to the letter.

“Our plan is to engage with you (Skyview) to restore relationships and build a path forward.”