Investigation underway into 'unacceptable' posters showing Nicolet recruit in charcoal mask

"On behalf of all of us at the Port Washington Saukville School District, we want to express our strong disappointment for the display of the entirely unacceptable signs at Wednesday’s boys varsity basketball game against Nicolet High School.  The signs can be viewed by some as racist, and are just plain wrong.  As soon as school officials saw them, the signs were taken down.

It is also extremely disappointing that a parent was involved in printing the signs.  Even if nothing bad was intended, the conduct sends a bad message, intended or not.  We at the Port Washington-Saukville School District teach acceptance and respect, and this goes against the mission of our district to educate all students on the importance and value of respecting others.  This is an opportunity for all of us to learn to be more accepting of others and embrace our diversity.  This conduct can be viewed as harmful and hateful.  We condemn such behavior because this is not representative of the values of our District.

Our students have expressed an interest in apologizing to the Nicolet student-athlete and the Nicolet fans for last night’s incident.  We are glad that our students feel that way because they should know that these actions were wrong and that there are consequences to this harmful behavior.  We hope this incident can serve as a teaching moment for students and the entire school community on the effects and lasting impact of inappropriate conduct.

We continue to investigate this incident and gather more facts.  At this time, one student has been suspended in connection with this conduct.  As the investigation continues, we will determine if other appropriate consequences are needed.  One thing that is needed is for all of us to have a better understanding of the world around us and to respect the fact that we are all different.”

"At last night’s basketball game between Nicolet High School and Port Washington High School, Port Washington students displayed enlarged photos of Nicolet athlete Jalen Johnson wearing a charcoal facial mask. This photo was taken from a personal Instagram account in which Jalen and a friend were applying the common clarifying skin care product.

I cannot speak to the motivation or intent the Port Washington students had in displaying this photo, whether a harmless skin-care prank or a more deeply troubling, racially motivated scenario.

I can attest, however, to the fact that Jalen is more than a tremendous athlete: he is a fine, upstanding young man and deserves to be treated with respect and courtesy by all students and people, no matter what bench they are rooting for.

My expectation is that Nicolet students always display respect, upstanding character and courtesy to one another and to students from other schools in sports, and in every day interactions. I also expect that Nicolet students receive the same treatment from students at other schools."

"We understand the sensitivity that may be associated with this situation. Our involvement is making sure our members are aware of a concern brought to our attention. We are willing and available to assist our members if our help is requested.

The membership Handbook clearly states the responsibility to address the membership’s sportsmanship expectations or a school’s code of conduct lies with local school administration."