Call for change after allegations of racism within Kempsville baseball team

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Allegations of racism within a Virginia Beach baseball team sparked community discussion at Tuesday night's school board meeting.

The Kempsville High School boys' varsity baseball team lost its season after Virginia Beach City Public Schools said an investigation found evidence of racism, hate speech and harassment.

About a half-dozen concerned citizens took the podium, many of whom say what happened in Kempsville is not an isolated incident.

RELATED: Kempsville High School baseball team loses season due to racism found within program

“The recent story regarding the Kempsville baseball team was not surprising, it made me sad and disgusted,” said Melissa Lukeson of the COVA Coalition, a group of progressive political activists.

“Imagine a child who wakes up every morning with a feeling of dread facing another day of hostility. This is a reality that happens too often to VBCPS students,” another commenter said.

“Please note that this incident is not isolated as my own sixth grade daughter experienced this at a middle school in Virginia Beach,” a Virginia Beach parent said.

Virginia Beach NAACP President Dr. Eric Majette also expressed concerns.

“Our phones have been ringing off the hook with parents sharing stories of racism within the school system,” Dr. Majette told school board members.

In a letter sent to parents Friday, VBCPS Superintendent Dr. Don Robertson said they are reviewing their policies and ensuring strict consequences for those who “fail to demonstrate respect for all.”

RELATED: “This is not something we tolerate” | VB Schools Superintendent Addresses Racism, Hate Speech Found in Kempsville HS Baseball Program

Still, some speakers at Tuesday's meeting said they would like to see more done.

“We need mandatory training for school staff and students on diversity, equity and inclusion,” one parent said.

“VBCPS should host a town hall, inviting families across the city to have an open and honest discussion about the impact of racism on the lives of our students,” Lukeson said.

The families of the victims of the baseball team incident released a statement Thursday saying they had chosen not to pursue legal action. Instead, they say they are focused on building a collaborative relationship with the school division and driving positive change.

13News Now reached out to VBCPS for comment on what speakers had to say at the school board meeting. A spokesperson for the division referred us to an earlier statement from Superintendent Dr. Robertson:

“As superintendent of VBCPS, I want to be crystal clear: racism, hate speech, harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in our athletic programs or within our schools. We have policies of long standing against discrimination and hate speech, we train staff on the importance of belonging and well-being, and we benefit from a diverse student body I work closely with families and staff. to review our policies and practices, improving our understanding of diverse cultures and ensuring strict consequences for those who fail to demonstrate respect for all.“.