Lincoln-Way East High School will remain on probation with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for the duration of the current school year following an investigation into incidents of racist behavior by its students during recent athletic events.
The IHSA said the probation would not restrict Lincoln-Way East’s participation in interscholastic activities but added that more serious penalties could be imposed if further violations occur. The decision comes after multiple allegations of racist taunts targeting Homewood-Flossmoor High School (H-F) athletes and fans.
The first incident took place at a football game between Lincoln-Way East and Homewood-Flossmoor, where six students were recorded using offensive language and gestures directed at H-F spectators. Lincoln-Way District 210 addressed the matter by allowing those students to voluntarily withdraw from the district, a move supported by the school board last month. Since those students are no longer enrolled, the IHSA said it would not discipline them directly.
The following day, during a girls cross-country meet, further complaints surfaced involving Lincoln-Way East. H-F student athletes reported that a Lincoln-Way coach made a racially charged comment about running “past those monkeys” prior to the race, which was allegedly followed by Lincoln-Way athletes making racist noises and monkey gestures. Homewood-Flossmoor District 233 issued a statement condemning the behavior and indicated it was considering legal action against Lincoln-Way District 210.
District 210 rejected the allegations, explaining that the coach’s remarks referenced a part of the Lyons Township High School cross-country course known colloquially as “the jungle.” The district argued that this was a historical term, not intended to cause offense. The IHSA’s investigation did not find sufficient evidence to corroborate the claim that malicious language was aimed at participants during the meet. However, the IHSA acknowledged that the terminology could be interpreted as racially insensitive depending on context.
In response, Lincoln-Way East has imposed educational requirements on its coaching staff. The IHSA praised these measures and underscored the harm caused by the incidents to the involved students and broader communities. The association called for enhanced administrative oversight at future sporting events and expressed hope that the rivalry between Lincoln-Way East and Homewood-Flossmoor could foster opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding.
The controversy also prompted Lincoln-Way District 210 to take further steps toward addressing cultural sensitivity. Superintendent Scott Tingley announced plans to engage Dr. King Speaks Inc., a Homewood-based organization led by social worker Tanisha King, to provide staff training aimed at promoting safety, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among students and faculty. The proposed programs—budgeted between $10,000 and $34,500—are scheduled for teacher institute days in January and March 2027.
District 210’s community relations director, Jen Vujosevic, emphasized the district’s ongoing commitment to creating an environment that supports cultural understanding and inclusivity across its schools. The IHSA also highlighted that this situation has sparked important conversations in other member schools statewide about the impact of words and actions within educational athletics.