JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Raines High School volleyball players were given a choice by their principal: play in a match against Fernandina Beach High School or be dismissed from the team. The ultimatum followed concerns raised by parents after an alleged racist incident occurred at a September match involving Fernandina Beach.
The school district confirmed the decision was made at the school level and said the principal’s ultimatum is under review after district officials were made aware of the requirement.
Two families decided not to participate in the match, and Raines High School had previously pulled out of a cross-country meet scheduled at Fernandina Beach following the initial incident.
The controversy stems from a September volleyball match between Fernandina Beach High School and Andrew Jackson High School. During that match, Fernandina Beach students in the crowd were seen chanting and holding a black baby doll in the air. Nassau County Schools conducted an investigation into the matter and stated that two students were addressed in accordance with district procedures, though the review did not substantiate reports that racial slurs were spoken during the match.
Reverend Bernard Thompson has served as a community advocate for Andrew Jackson High School students since the initial incident. Thompson described the reaction of student-athletes following the September match. “They were bewildered. They were trying to figure out, what does all this mean? But they knew it wasn’t good,” Thompson said. He expressed strong support for families who objected to participating in the game against Fernandina Beach. “We stand behind the girls and their parents. You shouldn’t force your child to come into a situation where they’re not respected or regarded,” Thompson said.
Alesia Bain, a parent of a Raines High School volleyball player, attended the match to support the team. Bain said her daughter chose to play, but emphasized that students should retain the freedom to decide whether to participate without penalty. “I feel like we shouldn’t take that from the girls. If they want to play, they can play,” Bain said.
She urged school leaders to respect the choices of individual athletes and families. “I feel like all players should have rights and they should have an option, and again I told my daughter is up to her solely; if she didn’t want to play today I was going to support her 100% and if she did I was gonna still play, support her 100%,” Bain said. Reflecting on the atmosphere, Bain added, “The whole situation is concerning; at the same time we’re here, open hearts, good attitudes.”
The school district is currently reviewing the Raines High School principal’s decision regarding player participation and team dismissal.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
