Allegations of racial misconduct at a high school basketball game between Coolidge and Chinle teams have prompted an investigation, drawing attention from both tribal and state officials.
Social media posts have circulated video evidence, allegedly showing a Coolidge supporter spitting on a Chinle player.
According to Navajo officials, the Coolidge team engaged in verbal abuse and threatening gestures, while spectators reportedly directed racial slurs and disrespectful remarks at Navajo elders.
State Representative Myron Tsosie has engaged with Chinle families affected by the incident.
“Our students and fans should not have to endure this kind of behavior and be made to feel unsafe at what is supposed to be a fun, exciting and positive experience,” Tsosie stated.
Serving also as a member of the Chinle School Board, Tsosie is actively collecting evidence to submit a formal complaint to the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), which is responsible for overseeing high school sports.
“This was unacceptable and clearly violates AIA’s harassment policy,” Tsosie remarked.
An AIA spokesperson informed KNAU of their commitment to addressing the incident, emphasizing the zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and slurs.
“High school sporting events are times to bring communities together. Any actions to the contrary will be dealt with,” the spokesperson added.
Coolidge Unified School District Superintendent Dawn Hodge confirmed the school’s collaboration with the AIA’s investigation.
“The Coolidge Unified School District is aware of the allegations made regarding Friday night’s basketball game between Coolidge and Chinle,” Hodge stated. “The District is conducting an investigation of the allegations and has been in communication with the AIA and will fully cooperate with their review.”
Meanwhile, the Chinle Chapter of the Navajo Nation has passed a resolution demanding accountability for the incident.
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