Brasília students suffer racist attacks at tournament – 04/13/2024 – Education

The Nossa Senhora de Fátima Franciscan School claims that students from Galois school called their students “monkey”, “maid’s son” and “poor boy” during a sports competition in which members of the two educational institutions faced each other.

The two schools are private and are located in the center of Brasília. Nossa Senhora de Fátima says that Galois representatives witnessed what happened inside the school itself and did not reprimand the attackers.

Galois, in turn, states that it initiated an internal investigation into what happened and that it regrets the students’ behavior.

“It is worth noting that although there were several people responsible on site, no effective and adequate measures were adopted by the representatives of the Galois school who were present in the gymnasium facilities”, says the letter from Nossa Senhora de Fátima.

Galois published a note on social media stating that it initiated a “rigorous internal investigation” and that it is committed to “not only identifying those involved, but also applying disciplinary measures and further expanding necessary and pertinent educational actions.” Galois is one of the most expensive schools in Brasília.

The case occurred on April 3rd in a futsal competition in the tournament called Liga das Escolas, according to the text signed by the management of Nossa Senhora de Fátima. “To the surprise and indignation of this management, during the match the Fátima student-athletes were victims of social prejudice and racial insults”, he states.

“The Galois students said several offensive words to the Fátima students, such as ‘monkey’, ‘maid’s son’, ‘poor boy’, making the environment inhospitable and leaving our students shaken.”

In the letter, the school management states that it will take the case to the appropriate police station. The text also states that the majority of students were wearing the school uniform, “that is, under the custody and responsibility of the school which, in this case, showed itself to be complicit in the humiliating and vexatious situation experienced by students at the Fátima school”.

Galois claims that the competing school is “right to be outraged”. “We deeply regret the reprehensible behavior of some students during the game held on April 3,” he says.

The institution also states that, during halftime of the game, a teacher who accompanied the students was informed by the match referee and the Galois coach regarding the offenses.

“Our teacher asked the referee why he didn’t stop the game immediately due to the insults. Afterwards, our teacher spoke to the fans and the second half went on normally”, says Galois.

It also says that it is identifying those responsible “to apply the appropriate disciplinary and educational measures.”

The school also says it will organize “acts of awareness and contrition”. “The Lady [diretora do Fátima] and your institution can stay safe; This is just our first communication about what happened. We will keep you informed of next steps and may even work together for the best possible outcome.”

The Ministry of Sports published a note repudiating what happened. “They are deeply disturbing and contrary to the values ​​of equality, respect and diversity that we defend”, says the text.

“It is unacceptable that episodes of racial discrimination persist in our society, especially in an environment as important for social and personal development as school sports,” he adds.