Aspen Shumpert is the reporter for The Peninsula Gateway. She grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Washington State University in May 2022. She started working at The News Tribune in March 2022.
Fans aren’t allowed at the Friday girls’ basketball game at Peninsula High School.
Peninsula High School and Gig Harbor High School will still play each other in a rivalry game, but it will be on a closed PHS campus without spectators, according to a news release from the Peninsula School District Thursday.
The announcement comes after allegations that a GHHS player made a discriminatory comment to a player on the PHS team at a Jan. 11 game between the schools.
PHS administrators were made aware of the allegations immediately at the game.
The next morning, Jan. 12, the district began looking to hire a third-party investigator, district spokesperson Danielle Chastaine told the Gateway Thursday.
Investigators were hired and the investigation is ongoing, Chastaine said.
The district is only closing the girls’ basketball game between the two schools, Chastaine said. Boys’ basketball and other sports won’t be affected.
“This alleged incident goes against our district values, but it provides an opportunity for district leaders to increase learning opportunities for our students around mutual respect, culture, and personal responsibility,” the news release said.
A letter went out to families in the district Thursday from PSD Superintendent Krestin Bahr.
“As a community, we need to allow the investigation process to continue, and withhold any judgment until the investigation is complete,” Bahr said in the letter.
Anyone who purchased tickets to Friday’s game will receive a refund and is encouraged to watch the game via broadcast.
“The game will be broadcast, free and muted, on the NFHS Network for families and supporters to view,” the press release said. “Additionally, KGHP will broadcast the audio online and on air at 89.9, 89.3, and 105.7 FM.”
“As we prepare for the upcoming game, I want families, supporters, and myself, to be a role model of good sportsmanship among our student athletes,” Superintendent Bahr said. “My ask is that each of us work together to create a culture of healthy competition. In short, let’s focus on playing ball on the court.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published February 9, 2023, 6:27 PM.
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