Temecula Valley HS Responds To Allegations Of Racial Slurs

Temecula CA

23 August, 2021

2:46 PM

Description

TEMECULA, CA — Allegations that some Temecula Valley High School students lodged racial slurs at Valley View High School students during a Friday night Golden Bears home football game have prompted a response. Monday morning, a small group of TVHS students rallied outside their campus to condemn their peers' actions. They held signs with messages like "I Stand With The Valley View Cheer Team," "Hate Has No Home Here," and "All Students Deserve To Feel Safe." Monday's outcry from about 50 of the 2,900-plus TVHS student body was an outpouring of support for Valley View High School. According to bystanders at Friday night's game, racial slurs were hurled at the Valley View High School cheerleaders who were on hand to support their varsity players. It's unclear how many of the Eagles' players and coaches heard the hateful language, but the VVHS team lost 52-0. According to online chatter, the cheerleaders feared for their safety. The Moreno Valley school is home to a diverse campus culture that includes mostly Hispanic and Black students. Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent Martinrex Kedziora released a statement about Friday's incident. "We are working closely with the Temecula Valley Unified School District to conduct an investigation regarding this unfortunate incident to ensure this situation is addressed appropriately and in a timely manner. "We care about all our students and we encourage all families and staff to continue to say something if you see something. We are here to support all of our students and staff, and thank those who have submitted reports regarding the situation. "On behalf of the Board of Education, we will continue to work together and maintain focus on embracing and championing our diverse communities and inclusion across all schools and in our society. We want all students to become responsible and respectful citizens," the statement read. According to Friday-night bystanders, the hate language was unprovoked and TVHS confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway. TVHS Principal Allen Williams sent a letter Saturday night to the Golden Bears community that stated, "Our school district embraces diversity and strongly condemns hate speech and offensive, hateful language or racial intolerance of any kind on the sports fields, in school buildings, or anywhere on or off school premises. We will hold anyone found to have used such language while representing any of our schools accountable for their words and actions." TVHS officials have been in communication with the Moreno Valley Unified School District "to ensure that we appropriately look into and address this matter," according to Williams. For Temecula, it is yet another indicator of troubling race relations. An hours-long discussion during the Aug. 10 Temecula City Council meeting centered on the city's Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative and commission, which many Temeculans feel is unnecessary. The seven-member REDI commission's work — which includes studying how the city can be more inclusive for all residents — will continue, but several residents said the fledgling city-appointed group needs to be disbanded in an effort to keep "the traditions and values of Temecula." City Council Member Jessica Alexander has spoken against the REDI commission. During the Aug. 10 meeting, she argued that the city doesn't have a serious problem with racism. For people who suggest otherwise, Alexander said, "I can't be your therapist." She did not get support from her colleagues. In another City Council meeting earlier this year, Alexander compared "taking a stand" against California's COVID-19 health mandates — particularly mask-wearing — to Rosa Parks' struggle against racial segregation. She did not apologize for her remarks. Last year, then-Temecula Mayor James "Stew" Stewart resigned amid allegations of racism that stemmed from an offensive text message he sent to a constituent concerned about police brutality. Stewart said the text was a technology goof and he apologized. He was re-elected to the City Council in November and has publicly stated that he learned from the incident. For its part, Williams said TVHS officials "recognize that we have work to do in our schools and will continue to strive to promote equity, sportsmanship, respect, and fair play on and off the field. ... We value each and every student and staff member, and we are committed to doing the work to ensure all are treated in this regard."