SCC releases follow-up statement on racism allegations

The past several days have been a whirlwind for both administrative teams of South Central Calhoun and Southeast Valley.

SCC Superintendent Brad Anderson provided a follow-up statement, made in light of derogatory remarks made during last Friday’s varsity football game between the Titans and Jaguars.

On Sept. 26, Heather Fisher created a post to social media, accusing SCC players of making racist comments toward Tre Fisher and Kaleb Scott, both members of the SV football team.

The Facebook post generated concern, controversy and attention from area media outlets, which included The Graphic-Advocate.

To address the matter, both district superintendents held a meeting this past Sunday, before releasing a joint statement that same evening. The statement, crafted by Anderson and SV Superintendent Brian Johnson, gave notice to the public that both school districts took the matter very seriously, would thoroughly investigate the incident and strive to “break the cycle of racism and other forms of oppression.”

After four days of investigation and interviews, SCC had revealed its findings. The full text from the second statement is provided below.

“Since Saturday, Sept. 26, administrators and coaches of the South Central Calhoun Community School District have been actively investigating allegations of derogatory and racial comments made by South Central Calhoun football players towards Southeast Valley football players.

During the course of the investigation, the following information was obtained:

1. A written statement of allegations via Facebook by Heather Jondle Fisher.

2. Verbal statements of allegations from Southeast Valley varsity football players, varsity football coaches (including both verbal and written texts from coaches) and the district superintendent.

3. Written statements regarding recollection of Friday’s game time events from the IHSAA crew and chief official officiating the contest.

4. Verbal and recorded individual statements from more than 50 SCC players, managers, chain crew and students.

5. Texts and Snapchat images between SCC and Southeast Valley football players and parents who have been reaching out to one another with mutual respect and support.

6. Verbal statements from SCC parents (via meeting with players, parents and school authorities).

7. Verbal and written statements from SCC varsity football coaches.

8. Verbal conversations with school board members.

After carefully reviewing all investigative data, it was confirmed that South Central Calhoun coaches and school officials knew nothing of the allegations towards Southeast Valley football players until Saturday morning via a Facebook post.

In addition, evidence confirmed that conversations between both Southeast Valley and South Central Calhoun football players took place during last Friday night's high school football contest. However, no substantiated evidence was provided to determine whether racial slurs were part of these conversations.

To determine these facts, collected data set out to answer three questions: What was said? Who said it? To whom it was said?

Based on data and evidence collected, none of these three questions could be answered with specific details related to the accusations and without doubt.

The South Central Calhoun Community School District will continue to educate students, student athletes and staff regarding racism, tolerance and injustice. The following actions are inclusive (but not limited to) this continued education component:

A. A second joint meeting with Southeast Valley administration, coaches and athletic directors with invitations extended to House Representative Mike Sexton and House Representative candidate Charles Clayton, with a proposed date of Oct. 7.

B. Joint service project with Stewart Memorial Community Hospital for Oct. 10 cleanup.

C. Equity/Racial training for SCC staff on Oct. 21 in Fort Dodge.

D. Continued lessons and conversations infused into prekindergarten through 12th grade lessons for students throughout the school year.

E. Engagement of national training for students and staff regarding diversity, tolerance, racism and/or equity.

Due to the lack of clarity of substantiated data, we consider this investigation closed. If new evidence is provided, we will review it and respond appropriately.

If you have additional questions or concerns we would kindly ask you to direct these to the following: Brad Anderson, Superintendent of Schools; South Central Calhoun Community Schools; 1000 Tonawanda Street, Rockwell City, IA 50579. You can also contact Anderson via phone call at (712) 297-7341 or via email at banderson@scc.k12.ia.us.”

South Central Calhoun is currently on a bye week, after upcoming opponent Eagle Grove had cancelled classes and activities related to COVID-19 concerns. Southeast Valley hosts Clarion-Goldfield-Dows for a Class 1A-District 2 matchup, set for this Friday in Gowrie.