09/10/2026
The Lansing Journal is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit. Your donations to support our work in this community are tax-deductible.
Donate
Local Voices: NAACP-CFSSB condemns racism and calls for accountability following high school football game
Local Voices
-
September 9, 2026
239
1 min.
Submitted by Gary Di**le, President of NAACP Chicago Far South Suburban Branch
The NAACP Chicago Far South Suburban Branch is deeply disturbed by the reported racist harassment directed toward Homewood-Flossmoor High School students during the September 4, 2026, football game involving Lincoln-Way East High School.
Racial slurs, racist gestures, and dehumanizing conduct have no place in our schools, athletic programs, or communities. Such behavior cannot be dismissed as a joke or simply attributed to youthful misconduct. It causes real harm and reinforces a culture of intolerance that we must work together to eliminate.
We commend the Homewood-Flossmoor administrators and staff for responding to the incident and protecting their students. We also acknowledge Lincoln-Way East’s public apology and its stated commitment to addressing the conduct through its disciplinary process.
An apology, however, must be accompanied by accountability and meaningful action.
The Chicago Far South Suburban Branch NAACP calls upon the school districts and the Illinois High School Association to ensure that this incident is thoroughly reviewed and appropriately addressed in accordance with established policies and applicable law.
We also encourage both school communities to strengthen efforts around racial equity, student accountability, respect, and inclusion so that every student can participate in school activities without fear of racial intimidation or humiliation.
We will not normalize racism. We will not excuse it. And we will not remain silent.
We stand with the students, families, educators, and Homewood-Flossmoor community. Every young person deserves to learn, compete, and participate in their community with dignity and respect.
The Chicago Far South Suburban Branch NAACP remains committed to confronting racism, protecting our children, and building communities where every student is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Local Voices
Local Voices
https://thelansingjournal.org/category/lansing-voices/
Local Voices is The Lansing Journal's version of “Letters to the Editor.” The opinions posted here are those of the writers, and posting them does not indicate endorsement by The Lansing Journal. Regarding any assertions of fact, the burden of proof is on the writer, not this publication. We welcome input from fellow residents who have thoughtful things to say about topics that are important to our community. Readers who want to share a thoughtful opinion on any subject that adds to the community conversation are invited to send their submission to [email protected].
Comment policy summary: We expect thoughtfulness and respect from all contributors. We accept disagreement, but not personal attacks. We rarely allow anonymity. More details are available on our Comment Policy page.
The Lansing Journal is a community newspaper. We welcome input from fellow residents who have thoughtful things to say about topics that are important to our community. Use our Local Voices form to send your thoughtful submissions to us for publication: Submit Local Voices Name(Required) First Last....
