VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — At Tuesday's board meeting, Virginia Beach leaders implemented new anti-harassment training for staff and discussed the culture of school sports three months after racist allegations were made against Kempsville High School’s varsity baseball team.
The allegations, which were confirmed by the school's principal Melissa George and later condemned by Superintendent Donald Robertson and Mayor Bobby Dyer, caused the team's season to abruptly end.
Watch previous coverage: Kempsville families, VBCPS release statements on racial harassment incidents on baseball team
Many Virginia Beach parents who were in attendance Tuesday night said they agreed with the decision for new educational training.
“It’s a step in the right direction and it’s been a long time coming. Kids think they can get away with anything,” said parent James Okonkwo.
Watch previous coverage: Virginia Beach City Public Schools Superintendent calls racism allegations at Kempsville High 'disappointing'
In May, News 3 was the first to report about the school’s investigation into the baseball team’s conduct. VBCPS later confirmed that hate speech, harassment, and racism were evident.
“Obviously they weren’t taught at home that this behavior is unacceptable,” another parent said Tuesday.
Watch: Racism, hate speech, harassment evident on Kempsville baseball team
The allegations were made public by the mother of a Black player on the team, who went on Facebook and said her son was called racial slurs, including the n-word. Since April, she posted multiple videos publicly to her Facebook page. In the videos, she said the comments were sometimes jokes, sometimes not.
"I am absolutely disgusted," she said in one of the videos.
The fallout once publicized was swift: two assistant coaches and the head coach are no longer with the team. It’s unclear if players faced consequences, although one parent told News 3 his son was suspended from school for six days.
Watch previous coverage: Kempsville High brings on new baseball head coach following racism on team
Following Tuesday's meeting, coaches are required to take a two-hour course, while students and parents will have to watch a three-minute video that promotes fostering an inclusive environment.
“It's an overdue conversation and one that we as leaders really need to focus on and have a conversation about,” said Melnyk.
Luke Stice, who coached the Kempsville junior varsity team for two years, was named the team's new head coach in July. He said he wants to help heal the team following the tumultuous end to last season.
"As we start to write this next chapter for the Kempsville baseball program I want to stress that wins will not be our main priority," Stice said. "Our main priority will be maintaining the love and respect of the game, teammates, coaches, opponents, and the community."
