The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) announced Tuesday the reinstatement of Pinole Valley High School coaches who were placed on leave while the district investigated allegations of racist remarks made by their team during games.
The WCCUSD stated an internal review found that both coaches followed the appropriate process when they were made aware of the allegations. However, the district said its investigation was unable to confirm exactly who made the racist remarks.
“Reports indicate that the inappropriate remarks may have come from the stands; however, the exact source has not been confirmed,” the district said in the statement.
The district said that in response to the incident, it will have a school administrator and the athletic director present at all remaining Pinole Valley High School baseball games this season. The district says it is also reinforcing behaviorial expectations to student-athletes, staff, families, and spectators.
“The behavior displayed by individuals during the April 23 varsity baseball game between Pinole Valley High School and Albany High School was unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our district, our schools, or our athletic programs,” the district stated.
In cellphone video captured by an Albany High parent at the April 23 game, one or more people can be heard shouting comments including “P.F. Chang is that you” and “Baljeet” to separate Albany pitchers of Asian descent. According to news reports, the Pinole Valley baseball coach apologized to the Albany team days after the game. Pinole Valley High also faced allegations of innapropriate remarks made at the April 16 game against El Cerrito High.
