Marble Falls High School Students Make Monkey Noises While East Central High School’s Asia Prudhomme Shot Free Throws During The Game

Marble Falls High School administrators are investigating a racist incident at the girl’s varsity basketball game against East Central High School last Friday. Footage shows a group of students at Marble Falls High School making monkey noises while a black student from East Central High School was shooting free throws. Asia Prudhomme spoke about enduring feigned monkey screams from an opposing student section while shooting free throws.

Last Sunday, Marble Falls High Principal Damon Adams sent a statement out to parents and administrators about the incident:

“Marble Falls High School administration is investigating allegations that one or more students made insensitive comments or noises during a recent basketball tournament. Marble Falls ISD has established high expectations for our students and specifically addresses discriminatory behavior in our Student Code of Conduct: Because all people have a purpose, and immeasurable value, and have been made bearing an indescribably special image, this SCC treats discrimination with particular emphasis. Students shall not use any discriminatory language or engage in communications that contain discriminatory messages, images, or conveyance. Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law that negatively affects the person to whom the discrimination is directed. Additionally, engagement in this behavior could affect other students, directly or indirectly. Engaging in discriminatory behaviors may be treated as serious misconduct (Student Code of Conduct, p. 6). School administrators are reviewing video footage and will interview students and patrons who attended the game to ensure a thorough investigation. Marble Falls High School takes these allegations seriously and will hold students accountable for any behaviors that violate our expectations. As campus principal, I regret that any player or guest in attendance at our tournament experienced anything from our student body that made them feel uncomfortable or devalued. I am saddened that the behaviors of a very small number of students could tarnish the impression that others have of the incredible group of kids who make up our student body. Federal laws prevent me from sharing specific information about individual students and disciplinary consequences. Still, I hope that by sharing this information about the emphasis that our district places on how we treat others, I can offer some assurance that we will take all steps necessary to hold students accountable and continue to foster a caring and inclusive culture at Marble Falls High School.”

The East Central High School girl’s basketball team released a statement on Twitter about the incident:

“On Friday afternoon our team went through a very difficult game at a tournament. Unfortunately one of our athletes had to go through a racial situation that was very hurtful and unacceptable. Our athletes, coaching staff & parents are not ok with what happened! We appreciate the athletic office and administration from both schools who are working to handle this situation. We are a strong family & we have each other’s back! None of these actions will change the memories we made this weekend overall. Our team grew even more as a family on this trip! Thank you to everyone for their support of our #32 and our entire team!”

What are your thoughts?