Investigation Underway After Middle Schoolers Called Racial Slurs

BARNEGAT, NJ — An investigation is underway at Russell O. Brackman Middle School two days after racially insensitive comments were made by students during a girls’ basketball game against Lakewood.

One Black student on Lakewood Middle School's girls basketball team said she was called a "Black b----," said Michael Inzelbuch, an attorney for the Lakewood Public School District. Her teammate, another Black student, was allegedly called "homeless" because she wasn’t wearing basketball sneakers, Inzelbuch said.

On Friday afternoon, Barnegat Schools Superintendent Brian Latwis announced that the school district in collaboration with the Lakewood Public School District would be launching a harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) investigation into the incident on Wednesday.

“There are conflicting reports regarding the students’ exact statements, but the nature of the comments is clear and requires action,” Latwis said.

After speaking with 16 students on the basketball team, coaches, referees and other district staff members who were in attendance, officials determined that several student spectators seated behind Barnegat’s team bench made offensive and insensitive comments.

According to Latwis, the alleged comments were not made by members of the basketball team, as originally reported by Lakewood Middle School.

In addition to disciplinary action, Latwis said students involved will complete exercises to increase student sensitivity, specifically toward marginalized people.

The results of the district’s investigation could potentially result in further action, Latwis said.

“We extend our sincere apologies to the Lakewood Middle School girls’ basketball team and everyone impacted by this incident. It does not reflect our culture, nor our district-wide efforts to celebrate diversity and promote acceptance and respect. Our work and discussions about discrimination, bias and bullying are ongoing and remain in-focus,” Latwis said.

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