Lehi High School and Alpine School District have opened an investigation into allegations that racial slurs were used by students during the girls and boys basketball games against Westlake that were played at Lehi on Thursday.

While the investigation is ongoing, the school made it clear that behavior of that type will not be tolerated and people involved in such actions will face consequences.

Here is the complete letter from Lehi High principal Tim Brantley that was sent on Thursday morning to all parents, students and employees at Lehi High School in response to the allegations:

“February 8, 2024

“Dear Parents, Employees, and Students,

“I want to address a matter of great importance regarding allegations of Lehi High students yelling racial slurs at a basketball game Tuesday evening. As a school community and as Lehi citizens, this is deeply disturbing.

“We strive for an environment of respect, sportsmanship, and inclusivity. Yelling racial slurs is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We believe in treating all with dignity and respect. We want to represent the best of ourselves, our school, and our great community. This takes a collective effort.

“We need your help! If anyone has information regarding the Tuesday night incident, please share that information with a member of the school’s administration so that we can appropriately and immediately address this. We will protect your anonymity. Let’s work together to ensure that our school remains a safe and welcoming place for all students, including visiting teams, players, and fans. Your cooperation and support in this matter are greatly appreciated. If you hear or see something, please say something.

“Competition is never an excuse or reason for inappropriate behavior or name-calling. I want to reiterate the importance and expectation of appropriate behavior at sporting and extracurricular events. Parents and students, please have a conversation about UHSAA’s statement entitled “Do Rowdy Right.” This statement is read before every UHSAA game:

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Lehi High School for tonight’s/today’s athletic contest. We welcome our guests from (Visiting High School) and wish all players good luck in tonight’s/today’s game. Both schools are members of the Utah High School Activities Association and support the new statewide sportsmanship program Raise-the-Bar. Sportsmanship does matter, and we ask for your support in demonstrating respect for the game and all the participants by refraining from negative cheers, chants or behavior. Do Rowdy Right.

“Moving forward, be aware that regardless of the game or activity, students or adults who participate in inappropriate behavior will be immediately escorted out of the event and will face consequences as outlined in district policy.

“Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter, and for your support in creating and maintaining a positive and respectful school environment here at Lehi High School.

“Sincerely,

“Tim Brantley, Principal

“Lehi High School”

Alpine School District has a policy to not comment on on-going investigations, but referred inquiries to its discrimination and harassment policy, which states:

“It is the commitment of the Alpine School District to strive to maintain all learning and working environments where students and employees can be safe and successful. This policy is written to follow Federal and Utah State Law mandating and providing authority to school districts to prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment. This policy also provides guidance for requesting accommodations as appropriate under the law and procedures for reporting a complaint for persons who believe themselves to have been the object of discrimination or harassment. The District will follow the outlined procedures in investigating and resolving complaints.”

Updates from the ongoing investigation will be reported as they become available.

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