Fort Worth ISD investigates alleged racist incident at Northside-Arlington Heights football game

FORT WORTH, Texas – Students and parents at a Fort Worth high school want the school district to address what they call “systemic racism” in Fort Worth ISD.

They say Northside High School cheerleaders were the target of racist abuse during a football game against Arlington Heights High School on September 13, while adults and school staff did nothing.

The Northside cheerleaders say they went to their opponent's side according to tradition to offer him a lucky symbol.

Team members say that as they approached a section of Arlington Heights fans, they began waving and pointing at a U.S. flag with the word Trump on it, while shouting profanities at them, including derogatory and racist slurs.

The school district has publicly stated that the incident is being investigated.

“We know that action has been taken behind the scenes, but other than publicly declaring an investigation, Fort Worth ISD has not communicated publicly and formally with anyone, so we are calling on them to share what is going on and what steps they are taking regarding this matter,” said parent Alexander Montalvo.

Northside High School is 90 percent Hispanic. Arlington Heights' demographic is about 50 percent Hispanic, while the other 50 percent is almost evenly split between white and African-American students.

“Nobody should have the right to make fun of us just because of the color of our skin or where we come from. Most of us were born here and it really shouldn't make a difference where we come from,” said one of the cheerleaders.

The Arlington Heights Student Council responded on social media.

“The behavior of several members of the FWISD community during our recent football game is not representative of Arlington Heights and will not be tolerated in any way. The student body and administration involved have made it a priority to ensure that our school events adhere to the policies and expectations set by UIL,” the statement said.

The chair of the school board, Camille Rodriguez, also expressed her disappointment on social media and called for action and a sense of responsibility.

Parent advocates say they have received about 1,700 letters from people asking Fort Worth ISD to properly address the matter.