WPIAL: Connellsville, Taylor Allderdice To Receive Sensitivity Training After Alleged Racial Slur Incident

GREEN TREE, Pa. (KDKA) - The WPIAL Board of Directors has decided not to punish Taylor Allderdice or Connellsville and use this as an opportunity to learn and heal.

"We did feel both sides presented credible evidence to their own respected position," said WPIAL Associate Executive Director Amy Scheuneman.

In turn, both Taylor Allderdice and Connellsville will have to undergo anti-discrimination, diversity and sensitivity training for the boys soccer teams and coaching staff.

"Both schools were very open to that idea and therefore we've solicited the help of the department of justice to work with their school spirit program," said Scheuneman.

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Monday night's hearing comes after Taylor Allderdice parents allege Connellsville players provoked one black and one latino member of the Allderdice team with racial slurs back in September.

In 2018, Connellsville soccer players faced an accusation of using racial slurs toward Penn Hills. In the wake of that incident, the school board approved funding for WPIAL-mandated sensitivity training. So what's different this time?

"The last time they were directed to hire somebody. They were able to go and do that on their own and they did," said Scheuneman. "This particular training is just one we will be able to monitor a little bit closer and have a little bit more involvement to make sure its completed to our satisfaction."

The WPIAL wants to remind students to get help if something like this should happen again.

"If students are subjected to this, address immediately with coaches and officials so its dealt with in a timely and appropriate fashion," said Scheunema

The WPIAL says both schools have 30 days to appeal the decision.

Connellsville said it intends to fully comply with all provisions outlined in the WPIAL's decision.

Pittsburgh Public Schools reaffirmed their support to the students and thanked WPIAL for their attention to the issue.

"We appreciate WPIAL's attention to these serious allegations," Pittsburgh Public Schools said in a statement. "We fully stand by our students who experienced racial abuse during a soccer contest at Connellsville. Moving forward to repair the damage, we are willing to work with Connellsville to ensure players from both teams participate in the anti-discrimination, diversity and sensitivity training as directed by WPIAL."