Latest news with #RufusKing
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Waterford track meet racist comments investigation; new records
The Brief Milwaukee students said they heard racist comments during a Waterford track meet. An investigation confirmed both students and adults made racist comments toward Milwaukee student-athletes. WATERFORD, Wis. - A FOX6 News open records request revealed new information about the investigation into racist behavior at a Waterford Union High School track meet last month. The backstory It was supposed to be a normal high school track meet, but the competition turned hurtful and ugly – fast. The Waterford Union High School District confirmed its students made harmful remarks toward student-athletes from Milwaukee's Rufus King High School. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "She said they were calling them gangsters and the n-word. I was very, very shocked," Angela Harris, the parent of a Rufus King student-athlete, told FOX6 last month. Dig deeper FOX6 News sorted through more than 600 pages of the investigation, which included the final report, the district response plan and emails. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News The investigation revealed both students and adults from Waterford demonstrated racist behavior and language toward the Rufus King students-athletes at the track meet on May 7. However, records revealed they did not act alone. The final report revealed student-athletes from Waukesha West High School also participated, noting they "mocked mannerisms commonly associated with harmful racial stereotypes." Those remarks and derogatory statements were listed in emails and included references to the Milwaukee student-athletes as "gang members." In an email sent to Waterford's superintendent on May 8, the day after the track meet, the MPS commissioner of athletics wrote, "We are not interested in empty apologies or vague assurances," and demanded an investigation into racist allegations – calling the behavior "traumatizing and dehumanizing." As the Waterford Union High School District conducted the investigation, emails showed at least 80 people reached out to the administration to express their outrage. In one of those emails, a Waterford Union High School parent said: "Their reality is that their school fosters a racist environment." The superintendent responded: "Your point is well taken – racism has no place in our schools or society. As educators, we must be held to a higher standard." What's next Waterford Union said every student involved in this incident has been held accountable. It also has a long-term plan for how to ensure students understand the gravity of their actions. The Source FOX6 News filed an open records request with the Waterford Union High School District. Information obtained through that request, as well as prior coverage of the situation, is referenced in this report.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Board needs to work with community to keep MPS Italian Immersion Program open
Our family recently learned of plans to end the MPS Italian Immersion Program as envisioned by our father, Tom Balistreri, and approved by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors in 2004. The proposed change would convert the Italian immersion school from an immersion program into a diluted 'world language model,' merely consisting of one language course. In an immersion school, students learn a second language in most subjects by 'immersing' them in the language and culture. By contrast, the proposed change strips the program of the immense benefits of full immersion. Our father served Milwaukee Public Schools for 40 years, including as Principal of Rufus King International High School and member of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors. Our mother, Barbara also taught in MPS for 30 years. Our dad believed diverse academic programs and specialties offered across the city, like the immersion schools, give parents options and allows Milwaukee's youth to access a global education. MPS' rich tradition in this area is nationally recognized for its German, Spanish, and French immersion schools. While Principal of Rufus King, our dad was dedicated to making 'the best school anywhere!' He implemented several changes, including adding the Italian language program to the already established Spanish, French, German, and Latin courses. He knew learning other languages would prepare students for success in an interconnected world. When I was a student at Rufus King, I took Spanish and Italian courses. Four years later, my younger brother Michael did the same. After high school, I went on to study Italian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and studied abroad in Italy. After graduation, I used my Italian language skills and taught 4-year-old kindergarten at the Italian Immersion School during the 2008-2009 school year. Letters: We should commend MPS superintendent for creative plan to reduce office staff My brother Michael attended the United States Naval Academy and now serves as Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. During his time in Annapolis, he founded the Italian-American Midshipmen Club, and pioneered an exchange program between the U.S. and Italian Navies. Immersion schools offer students a unique educational opportunity and our dad placed great value in the immersion model. Our dad dreamed of establishing an Italian Immersion School that would transition students to the Milwaukee School of Languages like the other immersion schools. His vision became a reality in 2005 when the Milwaukee Board of School Directors voted to create the Italian Immersion program, housed at Victory School. Our dad's vision, supported by the Board, emphasized the expansion of immersion programs to introduce languages reflecting the community's wishes. The Italian Immersion program continues to enjoy broad support locally, nationally, and internationally, to include yearly financial support from the Italian Consulate in Chicago. To our knowledge, it remains the only such school of its kind. From its start, the program received local support from the Order Sons of Italy/Mazzei Lodge, WisItalia, the National Italian American Foundation, the Italian Community Center, and the broader Milwaukee metropolitan community. We also learned that a community group has been working in good faith with MPS leadership to re-invigorate and potentially re-locate the program to a more central part of Milwaukee. This group shares our passion for preserving and promoting the Italian language and culture. Unfortunately, MPS administration decided to dissolve the Italian Immersion Program with little communication with the community group they were collaborating with for nearly two years. After this decision, a letter was sent to parents informing them of this devastating change, leaving many feeling blindsided and confused. Our parents taught us that it is never too late to put students first. Offering varied education choices to families to best meet their children's needs and passions is right for Milwaukee. Saving the MPS Italian Immersion Program is a worthy endeavor and provides choice in the portfolio of public immersion schools. Giving the Italian Immersion program the support Milwaukee's students deserve will return it to its original success with Milwaukee metro-area families. The timing to save and restore the MPS Italian Immersion program is now, particularly as the Italian community prepares for Festa Italiana. We urge the Milwaukee Board of School Directors to uphold their original resolve of establishing the Italian Immersion program and provide the necessary support for the program to thrive again. We also appeal to Superintendent Brenda Cassellius to reopen collaboration with the community group working to save the MPS Italian Immersion program. Now that we are aware of this unfortunate decision, our family gladly champions this cause. On Thursday, May 29, at 5:30 pm, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors will hold a hearing to take public testimony regarding the MPS Italian Immersion program. We encourage members of the community to attend. Christina and Michael Balistreri are two of the four adult children of retired MPS educators Tom and Barbara Balistreri. Along with their siblings, Andrew and Victoria, they are proud graduates of Rufus King International High School, and all attended Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School. Christina is a graduate of UW-Madison and the University of Wisconsin Law School, she now practices law in Milwaukee. Michael is a naval officer, presently assigned to Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. (His views expressed here do not represent those of the Department of Defense.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Parents blindsided by decision to dissolve language program | Opinion
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Waterford track meet racist comments investigation, school apologizes
The Brief A Waterford track meet took a troubling turn earlier this month. An investigation confirmed students and adults made racist comments toward Milwaukee student-athletes. The school issued a public apology and said it plans to hold those involved accountable. MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee families are getting answers after new details emerged about a track meet that took a troubling turn earlier this month. The backstory Rufus King High School students said they heard racist comments from Waterford students during a track meet at Waterford Union High School. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android What they're saying Waterford Union High School District and Milwaukee Public Schools sent a joint letter to families, saying all forms of racism, discrimination and bias will be condemned. "I definitely think that this is a step in the right direction," said Angelia Harris, whose daughter is on the Rufus King track team. "We wanted a fair resolution to this incident." Click to open this PDF in a new window. Dig deeper According to an executive summary, an investigation confirmed Waterford students made racist comments to members of the Rufus King team – including references to the Milwaukee students as "gang members." But kids weren't the only ones participating. "I was definitely surprised, as well as saddened, to hear that adults would be engaging in this type of behavior, particularly towards students that are only trying to go there simply to participate in athletics," said Harris. The summary said event volunteers intentionally mispronounced students' names, and a WIAA-sanctioned meet official used "racially insensitive language directed at a Rufus King athlete." What's next Waterford Union High School gave Rufus King a public apology and said it plans to hold students accountable. It also promises to retrain the adults. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "We also wanted to ensure that any students that move that go to Waterford Union High School for track meeting or any type of sports event won't have to deal with these types of things moving forward," Harris said. FOX6 News reached out Waterford Union High School, Milwaukee Public Schools and the WIAA on Tuesday. No administrators would speak on camera. The Source Information in this report is from FOX6 News interviews, the Waterford Union High School District, Milwaukee Public Schools and prior coverage.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Waterford track meet racist comments, school administrators respond
The Brief Milwaukee students said they heard racist comments during a Waterford track meet. A "shocked" Rufus King parent said those comments included the n-word. Waterford school administrators and the WIAA looking into the allegations. MILWAUKEE - A high school track meet turned ugly on Wednesday when Rufus King High School students said they heard racist comments from Waterford students. What they're saying It wasn't how Rufus King students or parents expected the track meet at Waterford Union High School to go. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "She said they were calling them gangsters and the n-word. I was very, very shocked," said Angela Harris, whose daughter is on the track team. "I was really devasted for her that she had to experience this, and her teammates had to experience this as well." Harris said parents later got a letter from the Rufus King athletic director, saying the team left early for safety – adding that they are working with Waterford administration to ensure the matter is taken seriously. "My hope is that if there is no accountability on the side of the WIAA, that the Waterford school district will release a statement condemning the behaviors, or those athletes, parents and coaches, as well as disciplinary action for the students that were involved," said Harris. FOX6 News reached out to Milwaukee Public Schools for comment. The school district said students' safety is a top priority, and they are following all WIAA policies to address the situation. The other side FOX6 went to the Waterford Union High School District on Friday to speak to Superintendent Luke Francois. "On behalf of all of our community, you have my sincere apology," he said. "From the district perspective, we take this matter extremely seriously, and we want to make sure that we reflect on the actions of that day." Francois said the investigation is ongoing, and those involved will be held accountable. The Waterford Union High School District said it is working closely with Rufus King and MPS. "It's appalling that the allegations that we received, and we will spend time personally on campus at Rufus King to make sure that they know that we're sincere and in our efforts to really make sure that this is handled correctly, and that going forward that we do our very best to make sure it never ever happens again," said Francois. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News In a statement, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association said: "We are aware of the complaint. Member schools involved will review the incident, share findings, and work together toward a resolution. The WIAA is available if the schools need assistance. Please know we take allegations of this nature seriously as do our member schools." The Source Information in this report is from FOX6 News interviews and the WIAA.
