FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Nassau County School District says it’s investigating reports of “racially offensive behavior” by Fernandina Beach High School students during a women’s varsity volleyball game Thursday night.
This photo shows what appears to be a student holding a black baby doll during their game against Andrew Jackson High School.
“I was beyond disbelief. There were no words,” said Andrew Jackson High School parent Antoinette Beckton. “I was furious.”
Beckton’s daughter plays for Andrew Jackson High School’s varsity volleyball team. She was at the game Thursday night.
“One of our players fell, and she was injured. She appeared to be injured. They began to stand up with a black doll, and they were saying, ‘Oh, she’s dead. It’s just another one. She’ll be okay,’” said Beckton.
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Andrew Jackson High School’s student body is predominantly black.
Beckton says Fernandina Beach students took this doll to the game and used it when cheering. She also says Fernandina Beach high school students wore all black to the game, even though their school colors are blue and gold.
“Honestly, there isn’t enough words that I can honestly say or use to put it together other than disrespectful, other than humiliation, other than racial intimidation,” said Beckton.
Another Andrew Jackson high school parent captured a video after the game had ended of FBHS students going to pick up the doll at a concession stand. She told us off camera the doll was eventually taken away from the students during the game.
In the video you can hear the students mention they had the baby for parenting and asked the man at the concession stand if the baby cried.
Andrew Jackson High School alumna Latavia Harris says there is no excuse.
“I don’t care if it was for economics class. You’re telling me out of all the dolls, y’all only pick the black dolls in the group. You’re not gonna make it make sense,” said Harris.
The incident is causing Jacksonville city leaders and Duval County School Board members to speak out as well.
“No child who leaves Duval County and goes to another county should feel that it’s intimidation,” said Jacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman (District 10).
“There’s already been phone calls between our superintendent and their superintendent, as well as our athletic director with the state Athletic Association,” said Duval County School Board Member Darryl Willie.
Willie told Action News Jax there is an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Florida High School Athletic Association on this.
Nassau County School District sent us this statement:
“Nassau County School District became aware of deeply troubling allegations involving student behavior during last night’s volleyball match between Fernandina Beach High School and Andrew Jackson High School.
We recognize these allegations are deeply upsetting to the students, families, staff, and community members involved. We take reports of racially offensive behavior extremely seriously. Racism has no place in our schools or at our athletic events, and every student-athlete and guest deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
District and school administrators have begun an immediate investigation, including reviewing available video, gathering information from students, coaches, staff, and others who were present, and communicating with Duval County Public Schools. The district will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation and in accordance with district policies.
Because this is an active investigation involving students, we cannot comment further at this time. We will provide updates as appropriate while respecting student privacy and the integrity of the investigative process.”
Duval County Public Schools sent us this statement on the matter:
DCPS Statement Regarding Andrew Jackson HS in Nassau County
We are aware of reports of concerning and unacceptable behavior during Thursday night’s volleyball game at a Nassau County school where Andrew Jackson High School was the visiting team. We recognize the seriousness of the concerns raised, including the reported racial implications, and the impact on our students, families, staff, and broader Duval County community.
Nassau County School District’s Superintendent has been in communication with DCPS Superintendent Dr. Bernier,\ and we appreciate their commitment to reviewing the facts and taking appropriate action. Extracurricular activities should provide a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all students. Behavior that undermines these values has no place in our schools and at school-sponsored events. We will remain in communication with Nassau County Public Schools as the matter is addressed and continue to support our students and school community.
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