New Trier’s superintendent says the investigation supports Evanston marching band members’ accounts of hateful conduct at Ryan Field, but investigators have not identified the individuals responsible for the reported slurs.

Superintendent Peter Tragos posted a statement on the district's website Nov. 9 confirming that more than 40 interviews and a review of videos, photographs and social media material back up accounts from Evanston Township High School (ETHS) band members. The joint investigation with ETHS is ongoing.

"I want to make clear that the investigation supports accounts of hateful language and actions directed toward the Evanston marching band from individuals in the New Trier student section," Tragos wrote.

Still, the district has not gathered enough evidence to identify who used the slurs. Tragos cited the noise of a stadium holding 27,000 spectators and a student section dressed in similar clothing as obstacles.

"Decisions about an individual's responsibility must be based on evidence," Tragos wrote.

Tragos encouraged anyone with recordings or information to contact Winnetka Campus Principal Denise Dubravec at 847-784-2200.

What happened Oct. 16

The New Trier-ETHS rivalry football game at Northwestern University's new Ryan Field drew more than 25,000 ticket sales, according to The Record. ETHS color guard and marching band members alleged that New Trier students shouted racial and homophobic slurs at them from the stands before their halftime performance and that some students spat on and shoved band members after the game.

The two districts released a joint statement Oct. 18 condemning the reported conduct and pledging to investigate. At the Oct. 19 board meeting, Tragos apologized on behalf of the New Trier community, while Board President Sally Tomlinson condemned the reported behavior. Nine community members spoke during public comment, as we reported Nov. 6.

Jennifer Sadler, whose daughter is a captain of the ETHS color guard, told the board her daughter was called racial and homophobic slurs and told to kill herself, according to New Trier News.

Broader problems surface

Tragos's Nov. 9 statement acknowledged that the problem extends beyond one game. Students and staff told school officials that hateful language occurs in other settings too.

"Our responsibility to address hateful language extends beyond one game," Tragos wrote. "…We need to make our expectations clear and give everyone the skills and support to uphold them."

The district outlined three priorities: making behavioral expectations explicit, establishing consistent consequences when those expectations are violated, and equipping students and staff to act on them.

Staff will use development days Nov. 13, Jan. 21 and Feb. 12 to train on recognizing and interrupting harmful behavior. The school is also developing student programming focused on bystander intervention and peer support.

Relationship with Evanston

Tragos wrote that it was "disheartening to learn" that members of the ETHS community were "not surprised" by the allegations. He committed to restorative work with ETHS.

"The responsibility for changing behavior and expectations at New Trier rests with us," Tragos wrote.

The investigation remains open. Families with information can reach Dubravec at [email protected] or 847-784-2200.