Racist taunts target Nyack cheerleaders at Lakeland game, officials report
Officials from the Nyack and Lakeland school districts are investigating reports that Nyack’s varsity cheerleaders were targeted by taunts during Friday’s varsity football game against Lakeland High School.
According to a statement by Nyack administrators, a Lakeland official notified Nyack that RedHawks cheerleaders had been taunted at halftime, and then heard racial epithets apparently aimed at them as they waited on line at a concessions stand after the game.
Lakeland officials have apologized, according to the statement from Nyack Superintendent Susan Yom, Nyack Athletic Director Joe Sigillo and Nyack High School Principal Nicole Saieva. The perpetrators appeared to be spectators.
The incident is one of a spate of racially charged verbal exchanges that have taken place during Section 1 Athletics competitions in recent years.
'Something is being done': Section 1 Athletics takes action after string of racist incidents
"Racist and hurtful comments are never acceptable and have no place in our community, and we take reports of this nature very seriously," Lakeland Superintendent Karen Gagliardi said in a statement. "We are working closely with the Superintendent of Nyack Schools, our administrative team, and local police to investigate this matter and ensure all feel welcomed, respected, and safe on our school grounds."
Lakeland won the game 55-24.
Nyack Athletics Director Joe Sigillo was planning Monday to take “precautionary safety measures” for a Junior Varsity football game Monday afternoon at Lakeland, Yom's statement said.
Yorktown police have been notified.
Nyack athletes targeted before
Section 1 Athletics worked on crafting specific procedures in 2022 for handling incidents in which fans or athletes engage in acts "against the dignity" of others. The regulations were expected to be adopted statewide by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
Nyack athletes have been targeted before.
Calls for action: Racial taunts at Pearl River basketball game shock community
In February 2022, a Black Nyack varsity boys basketball player faced racist taunts during a game against Pearl River.
Middle schoolers in the Nyack district were targeted in May of 2022 at two different track meets, district administrators reported. Among the accusations: That a Pearl River student used the "n-word" toward a Nyack competitor. The coach for the modified team led his athletes in a walkout.
In their statement, Nyack administrators lauded the cheerleaders for demonstrating "fortitude and resilience" amid the challenges. Counselors have been made available to them and other students.
"Our top priority is that our children feel safe and confident where they may attend any athletic event without experiencing racism, bigotry, disrespect, or hurtful spectator behaviors," the statement from Yom, Sigillo and Saieva said. "Any incidents of harassment, bullying or discrimination are investigated, so that we can ensure that appropriate action is taken immediately."
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Nyack NY cheerleaders taunted at Lakeland football game: officials
