NPS placed on probation by NSAA for racial slur incident

NORFOLK, Neb -- The Nebraska School Activities wrapped up its investigation of an incident in which racial slurs were heard from the Norfolk High School student section during a Feb. 12 girls basketball game against Omaha Northwest.

Northwest coaches and players said they heard the racial slur from the Norfolk student section while leaving the court, which led the school to file a formal complaint with the NSAA earlier this month.

According to a report in the Norfolk Daily News, the NSAA placed Norfolk Public Schools on probation as a result of the organization's investigation. Besides issuing a formal apology letter to Omaha Public Schools, the district has changed seating arrangements at activities and is developing additional equity plans for going forward.

The school's plan will be for all grade levels. NPS administrators will be presenting its complete plan to the NSAA Board of Directors in August.

NSAA Director Jay Bellar told the Daily News that NPS was placed on probation for the remainder of the school year, but the district could be subject to additional sanctions if another incident were to occur before the end of the year.

Bellar said Norfolk was thorough with its own investigation, but it was unable to locate who specifically used the racial slur.

The District Board of Education voted unanimously not to appeal the NSAA’s decision during Thursday's board meeting.