STATEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT ANTHONY HAMLET RELATED TO COMPLAINT FILED WITH WPIAL REGARDING TREATMENT OF PITTSBURGH ALLDERDICE SOCCER PLAYERS DURING SEPTEMBER 1, 2019, GAME WITH CONNELLSVILLE
PITTSBURGH, September 16, 2019 – Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Hamlet has issued the following statement in related to a complaint filed with WPIAL regarding the treatment of Pittsburgh Allderdice soccer players at a recent game against Connellsville High School on September 1, 2019.
Following the boys’ soccer game between Pittsburgh Allderdice and Connellsville High School, several Allderdice players reported that members of the Connellsville team used racial slurs during the game. Students also reported incidents of inappropriate touching.
At the Pittsburgh Public Schools, we take these accusations very seriously. We understand the frustration and pain expressed by our students and their families. No student should be subjected to any racial slurs in a space that is to encourage healthy competition, teamwork and camaraderie.
Upon notification of the incident, Pittsburgh Allderdice administration reported the incident to WPIAL to investigate. The administration at Connellsville met with players and the coach involved, spoke with the game officials, and spoke to officials at Belle Vernon, the host site of this match.
While at this time Connellsville administration has been unable to substantiate the reports as part of its investigation, they have informed us that they are taking actions on their end to create a teachable moment for student-athletes. We await further information from WPIAL related to its review of Connellsville’s findings.