LI Student Suspended After Racial Gesture At Basketball Game

BELLMORE, NY — During a basketball game between Elmont Memorial High School and Mepham High School, a crowd member made a racist gesture aimed at the Elmont players.

According to a post on a Facebook group, someone in the Mepham stands Tuesday night called out: "Here monkeys, come and get it" while holding a bunch of bananas.

Bellmore-Merrick Central School District Superintendent Michael Harrington told parents in a letter that the incident was an "unfortunate and unacceptable act of behavior." Harrington said the district "acted upon this situation immediately."

While Harrington wouldn't detail specific discipline, a Facebook post on the Merrick Moms and Dads group indicated the student got a three-day suspension.

The social media group asked Elmont alum to contact Harrington and Principal Eric Gomez and "let them know our children will not continue to undergo these injustices and racial discrimination."

In his correspondence with the community, Mepham superintendent Harrington said he reached out to officials at the Elmont School District and offered apologies.

"We deeply regret the hurt and harm that this incident caused the Elmont community and members of our own community," Harrington said.

Harrington wants parents to have a heart-to-heart conversation with their children about the harmful effects of racism and intolerance.

"We are fully committed to providing an instructional setting that promotes an environment that is respectful and inclusive of all and does not accept racism, intolerance or discrimination of any type."