Norman Superintendent, OSSAA Meet To Discuss Racist Comments At State Basketball Tournament

The Norman Schools superintendent met with the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association to discuss the racist comments made toward his team by a commentator during the state tournament earlier this month.

Related: Announcer Makes Racist Comments In Response To Players Kneeling During National Anthem At Norman-MWC Girls Basketball Game

Dr. Nick Migliorino with Norman Public Schools called on the board to use what happened at the state basketball tournament as an opportunity to address the issues regarding race and inequality.

“First, a statement of inclusion and non-tolerance for hate should be made at the beginning of any and all OSSAA-sponsored activities,” Migliorino said.

OSSAA board members said the comments made towards the Norman high school basketball team when they decided to kneel during the national anthem were vile and something their organization will not stand for.

Read: ‘Shocked And Deeply Frustrated’: OSSAA Severs All Ties With Announcer & His Company After Racist Remarks

“It starts with eliminating ignorance and we have to do that among ourselves and among our own staff as we grow, but I’m committed today as a board member but not only board member but as a superintendent of a school that does not have an African American employee, I’ll say that,” an OSSAA board member said.

OSSAA'S director, David Jackson did not recommend ending their relationship with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), but to work together on how they can move forward.

“They are ready to join with us. They're ready to take the lead as a matter of fact to do whatever we can and help prevent something like this from ever happening again,” Jackson said.

NFHS was not at Wednesday's meeting but said they're committed to do whatever it takes to make sure something like this does not happen again. The network is also expected to be at the next OSSAA meeting.