
Racial Incident at Hudson Valley High School Basketball Game Raises Concerns
Reports of discriminatory incidents have become more frequent at Hudson Valley high school athletic events. The latest incident occurred on January 11, when a spectator targeted a Spring Valley High School (SVHS) varsity boys basketball player with racially charged taunts during a game at Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls.
A Disturbing Pattern of Racism
This incident marks the second reported racial attack on East Ramapo athletes within a year. It has sparked strong responses from local school officials. East Ramapo Interim Superintendent, Anthony DiCarlo, expressed "profound distress" over the event in a letter to the community. He emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated and assured that the school district was committed to addressing the issue.
Commitment to Accountability
In his statement, Wappingers Central School District Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk condemned the incident as "unacceptable and despicable behavior." He confirmed that an unbiased, district-led investigation was already underway to identify the responsible parties and take appropriate action. Bonk reassured the community that measures would be taken to ensure accountability.
The Bigger Picture: Spring Valley Wins, but Questions Remain
While Spring Valley won the game 83-43, the incident has raised larger questions about sportsmanship and respect at local high school events. The Ketcham gym still features the "Indians" mascot, a name replaced by the student body in 2023 with "Ketcham Storm," but the old symbols remain. This ongoing issue underscores the importance of addressing racial tensions and fostering a more inclusive environment in school sports.
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Gallery Credit: Nick Kessler