Several Valley Center High School students have been disciplined for their behavior during a basketball game against Topeka on Saturday.

That's according to a joint statement released by the principals of both high schools on Friday. This comes after allegations of inappropriate comments, including racist slurs and other insults, made during last weekend's game. 

That led to enough online threats to close Valley Center schools on Wednesday. Classes resumed on Thursday with an increased law enforcement presence.

Below is the full statement from the Valley Center High School and Topeka High School principals.

As administrators at Topeka and Valley Center high schools have worked together following the basketball competition between the two schools on Saturday, December 3, 2022, the schools would like to issue a joint statement about our investigations and follow up actions.

Administrators from both schools thoroughly investigated reports following the game that included reviewing game footage and collecting statements from attendees, and the information was shared between the two schools. After conducting the investigations, several students at Valley Center have received consequences for their behavior. Federal law (FERPA) prohibits the sharing of specific details regarding those consequences.

Valley Center High School and Topeka High School would like to recognize the student-athletes for the manner in which they handled themselves during and immediately following the game given the circumstances. Additionally, Valley Center High School would like to, as previously stated, apologize for the students in the student section who acted inappropriately. 

Both schools acknowledge that although some information that began circulating following the game was factual, there have been numerous reports that are exaggerated and/or inaccurate. This has led to responses from both communities that have become inflamed and disappointing. This is not appropriate, does not provide for a productive environment where true change can occur, and is currently being addressed by the schools and communities appropriately.

Valley Center and Topeka High Schools are committed to work together to repair the harm that has been done, and to take actions both separately and together that will lead to positive and productive change with regards to addressing sportsmanship and racism.

We truly believe that this incident can be used by both schools and communities, to provide an opportunity for education, growth and partnership.

Sincerely,

Ms. Rebecca Morrisey 
Principal
Topeka High School

Mr. Bruce Lolling
Principal
Valley Center High School