South Bend NAACP Condemns Racist Language in Penn High School Livestream

The civil rights organization calls for accountability and policy changes after offensive slurs were used during a basketball game broadcast.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The South Bend NAACP has issued a statement addressing the use of offensive and racist language by a Penn High School student during a livestream of a basketball game against Riley High School. The NAACP is calling for the student and their parents to research the harmful impact of such language, the establishment of a task force to examine implicit bias in the school district, and a written statement from the superintendent outlining steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing issues of racial discrimination and the need for stronger policies and accountability measures within the Penn-Harris-Madison School District to protect the dignity and well-being of all students, particularly students of color.

The details

During a livestream of the March 6, 2026 basketball game between Penn High School and Riley High School, a Penn student used derogatory and racist language. The Penn High School principal confirmed the authenticity of the video and stated that the school is taking the matter seriously and investigating the incident. The South Bend NAACP reviewed the student code of conduct and found no clear provisions addressing the use of such language, which they believe should be addressed through policy revisions.

  • The basketball game took place on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The South Bend NAACP released its statement on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

South Bend NAACP

A local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a prominent civil rights organization dedicated to achieving equity, political rights, and social inclusion for Black people and communities of color.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation

The public school district that includes Penn High School, where the incident occurred.

Rachel Fry

The principal of Penn High School, who issued a letter to the community addressing the incident.

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What they’re saying

“After reviewing the student code of conduct handbook, the NAACP found no clear provisions addressing the use of derogatory language. We believe this omission should be addressed through appropriate revisions to the policy.”

— South Bend NAACP (WSBT)

“This language and behavior do not reflect the expectations we have for our students or the values of Penn High School and the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. We hold our students to high standards, and our community is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all.”

— Rachel Fry, Principal, Penn High School (WSBT)

What’s next

The South Bend NAACP has requested that the student involved and their parents be required to research and present the harmful impact of racist language, that a task force be established to examine implicit bias in the school district, and that the superintendent provide a written statement outlining how the incident will be addressed and steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing need for schools to have clear and enforceable policies against the use of racist and derogatory language, as well as a commitment to addressing systemic issues of discrimination and creating truly inclusive environments for all students.