Investigation complete into alleged racist behavior at New Prague H.S.

NEW PRAGUE, Minn. — An investigation into alleged acts of racism by New Prague basketball fans found those complaints could not be substantiated, according to a report sent out by the superintendent of schools Monday. 

The message sent out to New Prague students, family and staff by Superintendent Tim Dittberner detailed the findings of the investigation, which followed allegations made by student athletes, coaches and fans of the Robbinsdale Cooper girls varsity basketball team. Social media posts accused New Prague fans, both student and adult, of making monkey noises both during and after the  contest. 

Dittberner said those conducting the investigation spoke with approximately twenty individuals who were present during the game, including New Prague students, district parents, and district employees. The superintendent reports that none of those interviewed reported hearing monkey noises. One individual from the Robbinsdale School District was also interviewed.

Among the findings of the investigation:

• While a repeated, low-pitched noise is audible for approximately 10 seconds on video of the game, the source of the noise could not be determined. 
• The identity of the individual who made the noise could not be determined, although it appears to be made by only one person.
• Allegations that a New Prague fan yelled out “monkey” while a player from the opposing team was shooting a free throw was not substantiated. Investigators say the word yelled out during this particular free throw was “Nike”, the name of the play called by the New Prague coach that was supposed to be run following the free throw.
• On the night of the game, no one - including coaches, fans, and players from the opposing team and the game officials - reported hearing monkey noises to the District. The report says district officials only learned of the allegations through a social media post made after the game had ended.

The Robbinsdale Public Schools reacted Monday afternoon, saying the district was "disappointed but not surprised" at the outcome of the investigation, adding that they believe Cooper student athletes and coaches that made the allegations.

"We shared with New Prague officials what happened during this game. We also refused to subject our student athletes and additional staff members to questioning by their investigators – a process that would have forced students and staff to relive their traumatic experience," reads a statement from Robbinsdale superintendent David Engstrom. "New Prague Area Schools has dismissed the experiences of our students and staff as visitors in their district. Robbinsdale Area Schools continue to stand with, support and believe our student athletes. We are proud of the way they handled themselves amidst this display of ignorance."

Engstrom says regardless of the investigation's findings, all Robbinsdale Area Schools, including Cooper High School, will not compete in any athletic events against New Prague for the foreseeable future.

While today's New Prague report does not substantiate the allegations, Superintendent Dittberner emphasizes the results "neither negate the lived experiences of Robbinsdale-Cooper student-athletes and staff, nor does it absolve New Prague Area Schools of its responsibility to create a culture that does not tolerate inappropriate behavior."

Dittberner added that the findings of the investigation do not take away from other incidents that have recently occurred at the high school. Similar allegations were made about comments made by New Prague players during a boys hockey game by their opponents from St. Louis Park. The district also fielded complaints about a group of New Prague students that reportedly made racist hand gestures while attending the state hockey tournament. 

"Derogatory comments, including racial slurs, and racist conduct are unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Dittberger said in his statement, reiterating a three-point plan he laid out at a school board meeting in late February. It includes: 

• Creating a school climate task force to assess district needs that will provide an inclusive environment for all students.
• Providing professional development and resources to staff to implement best practices to eliminate harmful behavior.
• Working with student leaders to raise awareness about appropriate conduct, bullying, race and other issues.

The superintendent apologized for any harm caused to Robbinsdale Cooper student athletes, their families and communities. 

The incident was brought to light through a Facebook post by Cooper assistant coach Dennis Williamson, in which he wrote he heard loud monkey noises directed at Cooper's African-American players from New Prague fans.

"You could hear it clear as day. I had to doubletake with one of my other assistant coaches and ask him, are you hearing the same thing? And he definitely agreed with me," Williamson said. "It made me feel very disgusted because there were adults in the stands doing it. They were supposed to be the role models."

When asked if there were any other possibility for what the noise could have been, New Prague Superintendent Dittberner mentioned that the cheering section refers to itself as the "Dawg Pound," so it's possible the sounds were barking or "woof" noises.

"Could it be that? I don’t know," Dittberner said.

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