*A predominantly white Missouri school district is apologizing after one of its students displayed a Donald Trump sign during player introductions for a predominantly black basketball team on Monday night.
The visiting team from Center High School has 13 players, all of whom are either black or biracial, according to coach LeDale Wooten. Former Center student Toniaa Lakylia Nunn posted video of the pregame at Warrensburg High School on her Facebook page Monday evening.
In the video, the majority of the Warrensburg student section turned its backs to the court as the Center players were being introduced. One student held up a blue Donald Trump and Mike Pence campaign sign. The students were reportedly dressed as farmers as part of a theme night.
The Facebook post had 669,000 views as of Thursday morning. Nunn wrote, “I’m appalled by the nonsense I’ve just witnessed with my own two eyes.”
The Warrensburg School District issued a written apology on its Facebook account, saying “members of our student body acted inappropriately and were insensitive toward our opponents.”
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In an interview with the Kanas City Star, Warrensburg superintendent Scott Patrick explained the student section turning its backs during opposing teams’ introductions has been a long-standing tradition, though he referred to it as unsportsmanlike and something the administration does not condone.
“I think in this case, (the Trump sign) was really the difference in what took this from something that was unsportsmanlike to something that was insensitive, not necessary and inappropriate,” Patrick said.
Center School District public relations director Kelly Wachel said she had spoken to the basketball players and they told her that they were unaware of it during the game.
“We have talked with our students, and we will continue to listen to them and their families,” Wachel said in a release. “Despite the events that have transpired, Center High School has continued to focus on an academic environment of learning and course work today.”
