About 15 Loyola Academy students were ejected from a Feb. 24 girls’ basketball playoff game after a referee heard someone in the Loyola spectator section shout a remark that Evanston Township High School officials later described as “racist and dehumanizing.”
The incident occurred in the fourth quarter of the IHSA sectional girls’ varsity basketball game between Loyola, a Catholic high school in Wilmette, and Evanston Township High School. The game was played at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, according to Maine Township High School District 207 spokesman Brett Clark.
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Clark said referees heard the comment come from a section in which many Loyola student spectators were seated but could not identify the individual who made it. Officials then removed roughly 15 people seated in that section, and the Maine South athletic director escorted them from the building.
“When we are hosting either other schools or when we are hosting games with our students, we expect our crowds — as well as visiting crowds — to be respectful,” Clark said.
In a statement, Loyola said it was aware of the incident and identified the remark.
“During the game, a Loyola student shouted ‘Chewbacca’ while an Evanston player was shooting a free throw late in the game,” the statement read. “The remark was inappropriate and disrespectful. Language that is harmful or demeaning to the dignity of another person has no place in our community.
“Such behavior is contrary to everything Loyola Academy stands for. Rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, our mission calls us to form young women and men who lead with integrity, exercise sound judgment and demonstrate respect for others in every setting.”
Evanston Township High School also released a statement calling the comment “racist and dehumanizing” and thanking Illinois High School Association and Maine South officials for their response.
“The ETHS Athletic Department has been in contact with the Loyola Academy Athletic Department, and we are aligned in our commitment to addressing this incident, ensuring accountability and continued education, and creating an environment where all participants can compete with respect and belonging,” the statement said. “ETHS is a proudly diverse school community. We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting our students, confronting racism whenever it occurs, and upholding standards of inclusion and sportsmanship within the Central Suburban League, IHSA and beyond.”
On Feb. 26, Loyola President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek visited ETHS to apologize for the incident.
“The meeting was constructive and focused on our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity of all students, address harm and ensure accountability and education,” ETHS spokeswoman Reine Hanna wrote in an email.
The Illinois High School Association is investigating the incident.
“I can confirm that an official from the contest filed a report with our office and we have been communicating with the officials and schools to learn more about what occurred, but that process is ongoing and we have no further information to release at this time,” said Matt Troha, IHSA assistant executive director.
The term “Chewbacca” refers to a fictional character from the Star Wars movies who was a “Wookiee” — a tall, humanoid creature with dark-colored fur.
Loyola went on to win the Feb. 24 game 41-24. The team returned to Maine South on Feb. 26 to face the Hawks and won 48-32. Clark, the Maine South spokesman, said that game was played without incident.
Claire Murphy contributed to this story.