While attending the Arlington Heights sideline during Friday’s football game on 9/13/2024, North Side cheerleaders were called racial slurs and derogatory comments were made about them and their community by members in the Arlington Heights stands. There were no adults in the stands or employed by FWISD who intervened to protect the North Side students at the time of the incident.
After the game, North Side cheerleaders posted on Instagram what happened and parents started asking questions on Facebook. The Northside cheerleaders showed incredible bravery in speaking up about how they were treated.
Since then, student leaders at Arlington Heights High School have spoken out about the incident. Over 1,900 letters have been sent to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees. Monday, the North Side students held a press conference that was covered by all local TV stations and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Tuesday, over 30 members of the North Side community attended the school board meeting and six community members made public comments calling for accountability.
It proves that a community’s diversity is a strength, including the younger generation, as so many stand united against racism.