Racial slur allegations spark investigation after metro Atlanta high school flag football game

School officials in Coweta and Douglas counties are investigating allegations that racial slurs and derogatory language were used during a girls’ flag football game between East Coweta and New Manchester high schools Thursday.

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The Douglas County School System said New Manchester student-athletes reported hearing racial slurs and derogatory language during the game.

Following the game, New Manchester’s head coach filed a formal complaint with East Coweta High School and the Georgia High School Association, according to Douglas County Schools.

Coweta County Schools confirmed it was made aware of an allegation involving an East Coweta player and said administrators are interviewing players and potential witnesses.

In a statement, a Coweta County Schools spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and officials have not reached a conclusion.

“The school is aware of it and is still looking into it. It was made aware, verbally, after the game last night, of an allegation of a racial slur being used by an EC player, and administrators are investigating by interviewing players and any potential witnesses who were at that game,” the statement said.

The school system said it is hesitant to make a formal statement before the investigation is complete but stated that the allegation is being taken seriously.

“If the allegation is true, we would consider that behavior an extremely serious matter and would take disciplinary action,” the statement said. “Conversely, I also do not want to cast aspersions on any student athlete who did not commit an offense of this type.”

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Coweta County Schools also said that, based on its initial review, no adults at the game, including referees and coaches, reported hearing or witnessing the alleged language.

The school system said administrators are working to corroborate what happened through student statements and interviews with potential firsthand witnesses. It asked to provide another update Monday after the investigation progresses.

Douglas County Schools said it is also reviewing reports and statements from New Manchester student-athletes and coaches.

“Our priority is protecting the physical, mental and social well-being of our students. We do not tolerate any language or action that demeans or discriminates against a student,” the school system said.

The district said questions about the conduct of East Coweta students and coaches should be directed to Coweta County Schools and the GHSA.

“Because this matter involves minors, we cannot share details about the students involved or their statements,” the statement said.

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