Orange, OH – The Orange City School District confirms it has received a report that members of its high school boys lacrosse team were subjected to antisemitic slurs during a junior varsity game against Elyria Catholic Monday evening.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland tells 3News a member of the Panthers’ co-ed team is accused of uttering the slur.
In an email sent to district families and staff members Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent Dr. Lynn Campbell says administrators are “actively investigating” the allegations while also providing “support to the affected students to help them as they navigate moving forward.” The incident would have taken place during the Lions’ JV contest against the Panthers’ co-ed squad in Lorain County, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has since told 3News the accusation involves a member of EC’s team.
“The safety and wellbeing of students is our top priority,” Campbell wrote. “Part of that safety includes making sure students are treated fairly and respectfully and making it clear that the District condemns the type of behavior alleged to be involved here.”
Regarding Monday’s alleged incident, the diocese released the following statement:
| “The Elyria Catholic administration and the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland were made aware of an allegation that a member of the Elyria Catholic co-ed lacrosse team made an anti-Semitic statement toward the Orange High School lacrosse team. The school is actively investigating the situation, is in dialogue with school personnel from Orange City Schools, and will take appropriate disciplinary action as warranted once all the facts are known. Elyria Catholic High School and the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland categorically condemn antisemitism of any kind.” |
