Dear HCPS Families, Faculty, and Staff,
We are extremely troubled to share with you that a deeply disturbing incident occurred during last night’s Hanover High School (HHS) Junior Varsity football game against Henrico High School (hosted at HHS). We have learned that during the game, HHS administrators received a report that a racial slur was discovered on the rear window of a Henrico County Public Schools bus that was parked on the HHS campus. The slur appears to have been written by finger into the dirt on the rear glass window of the bus.
Upon being notified of this incident last evening, HHS administrators immediately began their investigation, which continued into today and recently concluded. This included working closely with Henrico High School administrators who have been very gracious. We greatly appreciate their partnership and support.
While School Board Policy prohibits the disclosure of student records, we want to assure you that the individual responsible for this reprehensible, hateful, and inexcusable incident is being held fully accountable to the fullest extent allowed by the Code of Student Conduct and School Board Policy. We also want to note that this student is
not a football player for HHS.
On behalf of Hanover County Public Schools and the Hanover County School Board, we strongly condemn this behavior and all forms of racism, bigotry, or any other form of discrimination and hatred, and we take these matters with the utmost seriousness. As a school division, we stand for unity, respect, and inclusion. We are unwavering in our commitment to being a school division where all students, faculty, staff, and community members feel welcome, valued, and safe. Simply put, there is no place for racism and other forms of hatred in our school communities and beyond, and we reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Interim Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Bob May, School Board Chair