APS responds after Jefferson schools refute racism allegations after game

JEFFERSON, Ga. - Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is standing by its students after Jefferson City Schools announced an internal investigation found no evidence to substantiate claims that racial slurs were directed at Maynard Jackson High School band members. 

The joint inquiry stemmed from a wave of viral social media posts and emails sent to FOX 5 Atlanta calling for an investigation into the claims. 

What we know:

In an update sent to families on Friday, Jefferson City Schools (JCS) stated it reviewed footage from 54 stadium cameras and collected more than 50 written statements alongside Maynard Jackson High School administrators. JCS reported finding no evidence that Confederate flags were present, that concession workers spit on food, or that racial slurs were directed at visiting band members at the gate or inside stadium restrooms. 

Jefferson City Schools officials noted that an alleged altercation involving visiting band members and an adult as the band exited involved an individual not affiliated with the school district and is being handled by Maynard Jackson High School administrators. 

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) also reviewed reports and determined both football teams competed with mutual respect, according to Jefferson City Schools. 

ORIGINAL STORY: Schools investigate racism claims after Jefferson-Jackson game

However, in a statement released by APS Media Relations Director Jonathan Sheffield, Atlanta Public Schools pushed back on the conclusion. APS acknowledged the review by JCS and GHSA, but highlighted that GHSA does not oversee marching band activities, which remains the primary focus of their own investigation.

APS reported that band members and support staff at Maynard Jackson High School faced racial slurs at three distinct points: as they entered the game, near the restroom area, and while exiting the stadium. Response protocols for future out-of-district trips will now include strengthened security measures.

"While we respect that JCS has stated they "found no evidence to substantiate this claim," our students' voices matter and their experiences matter. Allegations involving racism and discriminatory behavior are serious and deserve to be examined with the utmost clarity, transparency, thoroughness and care," the statement said. 

Following the initial reports, Atlanta Public Schools made counseling services available to Maynard Jackson students.

What they're saying:

In a letter to families, Jefferson City Schools expressed gratitude to Maynard Jackson High School administrators and the Georgia High School Association for working collaboratively to review the allegations.

The district also highlighted findings from the GHSA, which indicated that "both Maynard Jackson High School and Jefferson High School participated in the contest with a high level of sportsmanship and demonstrated respect for one another throughout the event."

"As a school district, we are deeply disheartened that our students, staff, families, volunteers, and community members have been subjected to vile and vicious accusations, listed here or otherwise, that are utterly unfounded. None of these claims have been substantiated and do not reflect who we are as a school district and community," the district added.

In response, Atlanta Public Schools issued a statement standing behind its band students, emphasizing that physical evidence does not overwrite the lived experiences reported by its staff and children.

"APS is deeply disheartened that our students were subjected to racial slurs and made to feel unsafe at any point during the contest. As a school system, we will continue to support our students. APS will also strengthen security measures for out-of-district events to help ensure our students, staff, and families are cared for and protected to the fullest extent possible," the statement said. 

Jefferson City Schools statement

Full Statements:

A spokesperson for Jefferson City Schools released the following statement to FOX 5 Atlanta on Friday:

Jefferson City Schools has continued to work closely with Maynard Jackson High School administrators as both schools investigate reports related to Friday night’s football game. Administrators are sharing information, comparing what they have learned and working together to establish the facts surrounding the reports.

As the investigation has progressed, the schools have reviewed information related to reports and allegations that have been brought forward, including claims shared online, and, based on our investigation, have not found evidence to substantiate many of the claims reviewed to date. A limited number of matters remain under review.

Jefferson City Schools does not tolerate racism, discrimination, harassment or other derogatory behavior. We take any allegation of such behavior seriously and will carefully consider credible information and evidence, responding appropriately when information is substantiated. We will continue working closely with Maynard Jackson administrators to establish the facts and address concerns brought forward.

Jefferson City Schools also released the following letter to parents and staff regarding the incident:

Dear Staff, Parents, and Members of the Jefferson Community,

The success of Jefferson City Schools can be attributed to many factors, one of which is our community. Over the last week, the reputation of our school district and community has been called into question. The sheer volume of misinformation and allegations rampantly circulating demands a response.

First and foremost, we strive to make Jefferson City Schools a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and safe. Our desire is for all individuals to have a positive experience when visiting our schools, athletic facilities, and campuses.

The purpose of this letter is to provide updated information about our district’s investigation of the recent allegations that surfaced after the football game against Maynard Jackson High School on Friday, September 11, 2026.

To date, we have investigated every incident reported to us by the administration at Maynard Jackson High School and offered video footage for their review. Our investigation included interviews and over 50 written statements from students, staff, volunteers, and security officers, as well as an extensive review of video footage from 54 cameras in our stadium.

The following allegations were investigated by Jefferson High School (JHS) and Maynard Jackson High School (MJHS) administrations, and these are our findings.

It has been alleged that JHS allowed Confederate flags to be flown and carried in the stadium. JHS administration reviewed video footage and confirmed that  Confederate flags were not present. Additionally, members of the JHS and MJHS administrations attended the game and confirmed that Confederate flags were not present.

It has been alleged that visitors from MJHS observed concession workers spitting on their food. JHS administration reviewed video footage and written statements and confirmed that workers did not spit in any food at any time. MJHS administration interviewed students and confirmed there were no reports of this incident.

It has been alleged that a JHS football player spat on one of the MJHS players.  Both JHS and MJHS administrations agree that there is no evidence of this claim based on video footage and written statements.

It has been alleged that racial slurs were directed toward some MJHS band members in the boys’ restroom located on the visitors’ side. Video cameras located outside the restrooms show footage of students entering and exiting the restroom. JHS administration reviewed this footage, interviewed and collected written statements from students who could be identified from Jefferson, and found no evidence to substantiate this claim. MJHS administration has provided no additional reports or other information confirming this incident.

It has been alleged that some MJHS band members heard several people direct racial slurs at them upon arriving at the stadium. JHS administration reviewed video footage and collected written statements from volunteers assisting with the visitor gate and traffic and found no evidence to substantiate this claim. MJHS administration has provided no additional evidence or reports.

It has been alleged that an altercation occurred between MJHS band members and an adult as the band exited the stadium. The adult has been identified as an individual not affiliated with Jefferson City Schools, and the incident is being addressed by MJHS administration.

It has been alleged that JHS forced the MJHS band students to park across the street in a gravel parking lot, which was perceived as being racist and discriminatory. All buses from opposing teams are allowed to unload and load on the street in front of the visitors’ entrance. During the game, buses are parked in a gravel lot across the street. This procedure is not new and does not vary from team to team.

It has been alleged that visitors from MJHS were not allowed to park in the lots located at Memorial Stadium. The spaces in the parking lots and several along the street are reserved for JHS Booster Club members. Due to limited parking at the stadium for non-Booster Club members, overflow spaces and bus shuttle service are available at a nearby church. Home and visiting fans use this service when all other spaces are taken. This procedure is not new and does not vary from team to team.

JHS administration has worked collaboratively and extensively with the MJHS administration. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their willingness to work alongside us to establish the facts surrounding this matter. In multiple conversations with MJHS administration, they expressed their sincere appreciation for our hospitality before, during, and after the game. Additionally, the MJHS administration acknowledged their appreciation to the JHS administration for conducting a thorough investigation.

We also extend our appreciation to the Georgia High School Association as they worked collaboratively with JHS and MJHS administrations to review and investigate reports submitted by MJHS. Findings from their investigation indicate "both Maynard Jackson High School and Jefferson High School participated in the contest with a high level of sportsmanship and demonstrated respect for one another throughout the event."

As a school district, we are deeply disheartened that our students, staff, families, volunteers, and community members have been subjected to vile and vicious accusations, listed here or otherwise, that are utterly unfounded. None of these claims have been substantiated and do not reflect who we are as a school district and community.

Our students are important to us. Our staff members are important to us. Our community members are important to us. We do not condone racism and will not tolerate it. Furthermore, slanderous, intimidating, and malicious attempts to defame our school district and divide our community are unacceptable and inexcusable.

As a community, we will continue to stand together and not allow our reputation to be tarnished by misinformation and far-fetched falsehoods. We trust that any future news coverage related to Jefferson City Schools will rely strictly on facts, grounded in truth and accuracy.

Atlanta Public Schools statement

Atlanta Public Schools released the following statement: 

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) respects the independent review processes conducted by Jefferson City Schools (JCS) and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). We appreciate GHSA’s conclusion that both football teams demonstrated sportsmanship during the contest. 

However, that conclusion does not fully address the separate experience reported by members of the Maynard Jackson High School band.

GHSA does not oversee marching band activities, which was the source of the claim and has been the primary focus of our investigation. Band students and support staff at Maynard Jackson High School have reported some students were subjected to the following:

• Being called racial slurs as they entered the game
• Being called racial slurs in the area next to the restroom
• Being called racial slurs while exiting the stadium

While we respect that JCS has stated they "found no evidence to substantiate this claim," our students' voices matter and their experiences matter. Allegations involving racism and discriminatory behavior are serious and deserve to be examined with the utmost clarity, transparency, thoroughness and care. 

• Multiple band members reported being subjected to racial slurs at several points during their visit. Their concerns were heard by Maynard Jackson High School administration, documented and communicated to JCS.

APS is deeply disheartened that our students were subjected to racial slurs and made to feel unsafe at any point during the contest. 

As a school system, we will continue to support our students. APS will also strengthen security measures for out-of-district events to help ensure our students, staff, and families are cared for and protected to the fullest extent possible. 

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