JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – An investigation is currently underway into an incident where racist and/or offensive statements were allegedly directed towards Dover athletes during a basketball game on Friday.
“I would like to address the incident, which is currently under investigation by the high school administration,” Jefferson Township Public Schools Superintendent Patrick Tierney said.
While the investigation is taking place, I would like to share some of my personal thoughts with you. The students involved are children and often children make poor choices. By no means am I accepting or defending their behavior, but it is our responsibility as adults to work together with our children so that they can learn from their mistakes. It is very upsetting when adults openly criticize a child; as adults, we should be modeling appropriate behavior, Tierney said.
“Like every school or community, our community is comprised of many different and unique individuals. It is the district’s and parents’ responsibility to teach our students to accept the differences of their peers, to show appreciation of others, and to demonstrate good sportsmanship. Unfortunately, the actions of a few have now tarnished the reputation of an outstanding student body, school, and community and for that, I am very sorry,” Tierney said.
Jefferson Township High School has over 1,000 students and to admonish all of them, for the actions of one or a group, is unfortunate. I have been a part of and have witnessed the students of Jefferson Township participate in many programs and activities to make the world a better place. I encourage you to research Project Stay Gold to witness what our student body actually stands for. It should also be noted that the student-athletes of Jefferson Township High School have been awarded seven sportsmanship banners by the NJSIAA. This demonstrates that our students exhibit and have been recognized for their positive behaviors, Tierney said.
Moving forward, the High School Administration will conduct an investigation into this very serious matter. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Morris County Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association have been notified of the incident. Additionally, a Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying report has been filed by the district regarding the allegations. Upon completion of the investigation, the individual or persons responsible will be disciplined accordingly. We will also work closely as a district to continually encourage our students to embrace all walks of life and to be respectful of one another, Tierney said.
We will look to use this unfortunate situation as a “teachable” moment for our students and work to correct their behaviors with the sincere intent that these actions do not take place again. In closing, I implore you to be your child’s role model in cautioning them to always reflect prior to writing an email and or posting on social media, Tierney said.
Jefferson defeated Dover, 69-41, in Friday’s Morris County Tournament preliminary round game.
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By: Jay Edwards
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