New Trier High School's investigation into racial and homophobic slurs directed at Evanston Township High School marching band members supports the students' accounts but has not identified anyone responsible.
New Trier Superintendent Peter Tragos shared that finding in a statement posted on the school's website, and repeated it that evening at the ETHS District 202 Board of Education meeting, as reported by the Evanston RoundTable.
Since the Oct. 16 football game at Northwestern University's Ryan Field, New Trier has conducted more than 40 interviews with students and staff. Investigators also followed anonymous tips, reviewed videos and photos, and pursued leads from a tip line called TrevTips, according to Tragos's statement.
"The investigation supports accounts of hateful language and actions directed toward the Evanston marching band from individuals in the New Trier student section," Tragos wrote. But the noise of a stadium with 27,000 spectators and students dressed in similar clothing "complicated" efforts to determine "who said particular words."
Tragos said investigators had not obtained sufficient evidence to identify the individuals responsible for the reported racist and homophobic slurs.
"I understand that this update might not satisfy those seeking individual accountability," Tragos wrote. "Decisions about an individual's responsibility must be based on evidence."
ETHS board pushes back
ETHS board members pressed New Trier for accountability, according to the Evanston RoundTable’s coverage of Monday’s meeting. Vice President Monique Parsons questioned why investigators had not identified anyone responsible.
What students reported
In October interviews with the Evanston RoundTable, ETHS students described slurs before their performance and further harassment after the game, including allegations of spitting and physical contact.
What comes next
Tragos said the investigation remains open and asked anyone with information to contact New Trier Principal Denise Dubravec. He acknowledged that students and staff have reported hateful language in settings beyond the football game.
New Trier has scheduled staff development days on Nov. 13, Jan. 21 and Feb. 12 focused on recognizing and responding to hateful behavior.
According to the RoundTable, ETHS Board President Pat Savage-Williams said she had urged New Trier’s board to acknowledge the harm, take responsibility, implement a plan and apologize.
