Several Raines High School girls volleyball players who were removed from the team after opting not to play against Fernandina Beach High School have been reinstated.
Action News Jax first reported earlier this month that several students were given a choice: play in a match against Fernandina Beach High School or be dismissed from the team.
The controversy followed allegations of racist behavior during a September volleyball match between Fernandina Beach High School and Andrew Jackson High School. Two students were disciplined after they were seen holding a Black baby doll in the air and chanting during the match.
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One parent of a reinstated Raines player, who asked not to be identified because of concerns her daughter could face repercussions when trying out for future teams, said she still has concerns about how the situation was handled.
“Show me where in the handbook if a child missed the game or so forth, they’re off the team,” the parent said.
She said her daughter chose not to play after learning about the allegations involving Fernandina Beach High School.
“She got online and read everything that was going on. So I didn’t have to make that decision for her. She wanted to stand for what was right. And she felt that she wanted to stand with Jackson,” the parent said.
On Oct. 1, Duval County Public Schools told Action News Jax the decision had been made at the school level and was under review.
Following that review, the district announced the students had been reinstated.
In a statement, DCPS said:
“Following a district review and in consideration of additional information that was not available at the time of the initial decision, the student-athletes have been reinstated. The review determined that a series of miscommunications contributed to the initial decision, and the review allowed for a more informed decision to be made.”
When asked about the district’s decision, the parent questioned the motivation behind the reversal.
“Was it genuine or was it because of the attention?” she said.
Despite her concerns, she said she hopes the situation encourages others to stand up for what they believe is right.
“Sometimes you have to do what’s right, regardless of the consequences. I couldn’t let her just go and play in that game, knowing the backstory of it,” she said.
DCPS said student well-being remains a priority and that the district is committed to addressing concerns with care and transparency.
The team competed in a district match Monday night as its season nears an end.
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