New Trier investigation confirms band members heard hateful slurs but no student is disciplined yet
A joint report from New Trier and Evanston high schools backs accounts of abuse at a football game, though officials say stadium noise hindered efforts to pinpoint specific speakers.
By Sakura Ellis ·
New Trier High School students who attended a football game on Oct. 16 face a school where the administration has confirmed hateful conduct occurred, yet no student has been formally disciplined so far. The finding comes from a joint investigation involving New Trier and Evanston Township High School, details of which were released on Nov. 9 by New Trier Superintendent Dr. Peter Tragos.
The investigation supports the claims made by members of the Evanston marching band. These students reported that individuals in the New Trier student section directed racist and homophobic language at them during the rivalry match at Northwestern University’s Ryan Field. Tragos stated that the school takes these accounts seriously and recognizes the hurt caused by the incident. However, the administration has not yet identified the specific students responsible for the reported acts.
One key factor complicating the search for individual accountability is the environment of the stadium. Tragos noted that the noise level in the stands and the fact that many students wore similar clothing made it difficult to determine who said particular words. Despite more than 40 interviews and the existence of visual evidence, the investigation has not uncovered enough proof to discipline any New Trier students for the specific slurs used on Oct. 16. Tragos acknowledged that this outcome might not satisfy those seeking individual accountability but emphasized that decisions must be based on evidence.
The investigation remains open. Tragos encouraged anyone with information about the alleged behavior to contact New Trier Principal Denise Dubravec. The principal can be reached by email at dubraved@newtrier.k12.il.us or by phone at 847-784-2200. The administration continues to gather details as it works toward a final determination on specific cases.
The incident occurred during a highly anticipated game where more than 25,000 tickets were sold. In the days following the event, reports emerged of verbal abuse and physical harassment, including spitting and shoving, directed at the Evanston band. On Oct. 18, both schools released a joint statement condemning the conduct and pledging to investigate. Subsequently, more Evanston students shared their experiences, and parents attended a New Trier School Board meeting on Oct. 19 to demand action.
Since the initial incident, New Trier has taken several administrative steps. On Oct. 23, the school shared an update detailing actions such as an all-school announcement regarding individual and collective responsibility. Staff held meetings to discuss the alleged behavior, and officials met with student affinity groups, parents, and boosters to develop a plan. Through these discussions, students and staff reported that similar hateful behavior occurs in other settings, not just during games.
Tragos outlined three priorities for addressing this behavior going forward. The school aims to make its values and behavioral expectations explicit, establish consistent responses when those expectations are violated, and equip students and staff to put those expectations into practice. To support this, staff will use development days on Nov. 13, Jan. 21, and Feb. 12 to discuss how to recognize and respond to hateful behavior. The school is also developing programming for students focused on speaking up when others are mistreated and taking responsibility for school culture.
Tragos also addressed the relationship between the two schools. He described it as disheartening to learn that many in the Evanston community were not surprised by the allegations. He wrote that New Trier must acknowledge and change the behavior that contributed to this hurt. The superintendent stated his commitment to restorative work with Evanston Township High School, guided by listening to those affected and exploring opportunities for repair. He concluded that the responsibility for changing behavior and expectations rests with New Trier.
