Robbinsdale Area Schools follow-up statement to New Prague’s investigation into racism experienced by Cooper High School’s girls basketball team

Robbinsdale Area Schools is disappointed, but not surprised, to learn the outcome of the investigation commissioned by New Prague Area Schools into racist taunts against the Cooper High School girls basketball team. The investigation found that “the allegation that New Prague adult and student fans were making loud monkey noises directed at the opposing team could not be substantiated.”

As we shared with the community Feb. 23, we believe our Cooper student-athletes and coaches. We believe the first-person statements they made about the incident, and we believe the team did experience racist taunts and jeers from the New Prague crowd.

We shared with New Prague officials what happened during this game. We also refused to subject our student athletes and additional staff members to questioning by their investigators – a process that would have forced students and staff to relive their traumatic experience.

New Prague Area Schools has dismissed the experiences of our students and staff as visitors in their district. Robbinsdale Area Schools continue to stand with, support and believe our student athletes. We are proud of the way they handled themselves amidst this display of ignorance.

Regardless of the findings of New Prague’s investigation, Robbinsdale Area Schools, including Cooper High School, will not compete in any athletic events against New Prague for the foreseeable future.

David Engstrom
Superintendent

Cabinet of Robbinsdale Area Schools:

Marti Voight
Jeff Connell
Ukee Dozier
Amy O’Hern
Toya Stewart Downey
Anthony Williams
John Groenke