NAACP Calls for Policy Changes After Racist Language Heard in Penn High School Livestream

SOUTH BEND — The South Bend branch of the NAACP is calling for policy changes and accountability after racist language was heard during a livestream of a Penn High School student covering a sectional basketball game.

In a statement released March 10, the organization said it became aware of the video recorded during the March 6 game and initially believed the audio might have been artificially generated. That belief changed after Penn High School’s principal confirmed the video was authentic.

The NAACP said the incident highlights broader concerns about racial issues within the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. According to the organization, it has previously met with teachers, students, and administrators in the district over the past several years regarding incidents involving racial discrimination.

After reviewing the district’s student code of conduct, the NAACP said it did not find clear language addressing the use of derogatory or racist remarks. The group is now urging the district to revise its policies to more directly address the issue.

In its release, the organization requested several actions from school leaders.

First, the NAACP is asking that the student involved, along with their parents, complete research on the harmful impact of racist language on individuals and communities. The organization also asked that the student present those findings publicly to the South Bend Community School Corporation board during a meeting.

The group is also calling for the creation of a district task force to examine implicit bias within the school system. The proposed task force would review how bias may affect students and staff and recommend corrective actions.

Additionally, the NAACP is asking the district’s superintendent to provide a written plan detailing how the incident will be addressed and what steps will be taken to prevent similar situations in the future.

In its statement, the organization said the use of racist language during a public broadcast demonstrates that work remains to ensure the dignity and respect of all people.

“This moment calls for reflection and accountability within the PHM school community,” the statement said. The NAACP also said it welcomes continued dialogue with community leaders as the situation moves forward.

The incident occurred during the IHSAA sectional tournament game between Penn and South Bend Riley at Mishawaka High School. School officials previously said the livestream was taken down shortly after the comments were heard and that the matter is being reviewed under the student code of conduct.