Duke volleyball player subjected to racial slurs hopes for changes in college sports

Duke University Women’s Volleyball Player targeted by fans The use of hateful racial slurs during a game against Brigham Young University called the incident an “opportunity” to create a healthy environment for blacks in college athletics. call.

Rachel Richardson, a sophomore at Duke University, said she wasn’t upset about the situation at last Friday’s game, but rather showed sympathy, using her platform to educate people and prepare them for future similar events. He said he wanted to spread awareness of the incident.

“I am neither the first nor the last,” Richardson said. ABC News Tuesday. “This is not an isolated incident, but it is an opportunity, not just for me, but for anyone who has an opinion, who has a voice, to decide that this should be the last time.”

According to former Texas County Prosecutor Letha Pamplin, who is running for county judge, Richardson heard slander “every time she served.” Tweet Posted on Saturday.

“She was threatened by a white man and told to watch her return to the team bus. Had to bench a police officer,” Pamplin tweeted. “None of the funny adults did anything to protect her.”

Richardson did not accuse BYU of the incident, but singled out the alleged perpetrators.

“Perpetrators often get angry when things like this happen, and that’s not what I want right now,” Richardson said. “I don’t think all of BYU should be blamed, because grouping all of BYU with the few students or non-students who were doing it would make all black people less Because, as you see, it would be the same thing those people did to me…than, and I don’t want to sit on a level.”

According to BYU, a non-student fan sat in the BYU student section and was identified by Duke during the game.

“Words are not enough to say that we are very disappointed with the behavior of a small number of fans at last night’s volleyball game at BYU and Duke’s Smith Fieldhouse,” said BYU. statement“We do not tolerate this type of behavior. Specifically, the use of racist slurs at our sporting events is absolutely unacceptable and BYU Athletics has zero tolerance for this behavior. Taking a tolerance approach, we offer our sincerest apologies to Duke University and especially to its students – the athletes competing for what they went through last night.”

BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmo said: raised his voice After an incident involving Richardson, he told supporters, “You must not cross the line to hurt or hurt anyone in any way,” and spoke to his staff about how to deal with inappropriate behavior from fans. and take the necessary steps to better educate student-athletes. future.

Holmo spoke out against racism, while Richardson posted a statement. twitter Officials and the BYU coaching staff on Sunday claimed they were aware of what was going on during the game but did not stop the fans or stop them from acting.

“This is an opportunity to dig deeper and change for the better a closed culture that tolerates immoral racist behavior like the one shown on Friday night,” Richardson said. It is not enough to show that you are not racist, you must show that you are anti-racist.”

Nina King, Vice President, Duke University & Athletics’ director said Friday’s alleged incident was unacceptable and all players should be able to compete in a safe environment.

“Duke’s student-athletes should always be given the opportunity to compete in an inclusive, anti-racist environment that promotes equality and fair play,” King said. statement Saturday.

As for Richardson, she plans to continue making progress on the volleyball court, serving the net, and spreading light and compassion both on and off the court.

“Just because you made a mistake once doesn’t mean you’ve become a terrible person. It just means you’re ignorant and need to be educated,” Richardson said. I hope that person too will meet you with compassion, be open minded, be willing to learn and be willing to share what they learn, because it happens.It starts somewhere , and then spread out.”