In early October, a student and parent from the Piper High School volleyball team cam forward with allegations that during a match with Baldwin High School the student section made noises that were racially charged and that the Baldwin students continued the attack after the match by following the Piper team to their bus. However, an independent investigation by Baldwin USD 348 by an attorney with the Kansas Association of School Boards has revealed that no such incident occurred. After viewing video footage of the game, checking security camera footage, reviewing written statements from Baldwin staff and referees, and interviewing 12 people from both Piper and Baldwin, the investigator concluded that there was no evidence to support that any Baldwin students made racially charged noises or chants nor did any Baldwin students follow the Piper players to the bus. Piper USD 203 declined an invitation to cosponsor the independent investigation.
Regardless of the outcome of the independent investigation, the USD 348 Board of Education clearly states that the district does not tolerate racism or racist acts of any kind. They consider the allegations as very serious and are taking all steps within its power to continue to maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment and community.
