‘Racially insensitive’ post causes Central Kentucky high schools to cancel basketball game

Last Friday’s boys basketball game between Bourbon County and Paris high schools was canceled because of a “racially insensitive” social media post, superintendent Larry Begley said in a statement.

“It was brought to the administration’s attention Friday afternoon that a social media post was racially insensitive and as a result it was decided between both district’s coaches and administrations to cancel the Paris/Bourbon boys basketball game,” Begley said.

“The Bourbon County School District does not and will not tolerate racism or hate,” Begley said.

If students engage in “such social media behavior,” the incident will be investigated and the district will “administer appropriate consequences,” Begley said in his statement.

Staff at Bourbon County High School will be directed to initiate enhanced sensitivity training, Begley said.

“These postings should also initiate a community effort to help keep all our students safe and secure in their school environment,” Begley said. “It is our responsibility to educate our kids to help them learn and grow from instances such as these.”

Begley did not say in his statement exactly how the social media post was tied to the basketball team.

In a statement Tuesday, Paris Independent Schools Superintendent Stephen McCauley said “at Paris City Schools, we embrace diversity, and we value each and every student who walks through our doors.”

“We do not condone nor tolerate racism or hate. Our students and staff work daily to create a welcoming and inclusive environment focused on student success,” McCauley said.

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association said the issue was being handled locally.

“This is a local issue that is being handled at the local level. Our position statement ... remains in place but compels these matters to be handled locally,” said KHSAA spokesperson Connor Link.

Link pointed to a KHSAA policy that said prejudice or discrimination within the athletic program on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or U.S. military service cannot be tolerated.

If those acts are discovered during the course of normal operations, all information will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities, the policy said.

“These type of racial incidents have been happening over the past few years at both schools and both administrations have been sweeping them under the rug. Until they take serious look and appropriate action, unfortunately things like this will continue to happen,” said Terry Dumphord, president of the Bourbon County NAACP.

This story was originally published February 6, 2024 at 7:10 AM.