Investigators conducted roughly 50 interviews among staff, players and coaches from both schools, game officials and others in attendance Dec. 10. It also reviewed game film, news articles and an official complaint filed by Benson coach Eric Knox.
In his Dec. 13 letter to the Camas School District, Knox said his team, which is predominately Black, was subjected to taunts and racist remarks from the Camas student section in both the junior varsity and varsity contests.
The Camas School District launched an investigation after receiving Knox’s complaint.
In response to the findings, Camas interim superintendent Doug Hood said in a statement to the Camas community Tuesday the district is developing action plans, including training and education for staff and students to develop anti-racist/anti-bias environments, partnerships with equity leaders and NAACP Portland and Vancouver chapters, and restoration efforts between Benson and Camas.
“Each and every person deserves the right to exist, learn and thrive in our community,” Hood said. “We will continue to support our students in discussing and learning from what they are seeing and experiencing. You can expect to receive updates on our continued actions.”
