A letter about Game Night Protocols was sent out by Newcastle Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cathy Walker after alleged concerning social media posts leading up to game time last week.
The Racers played Tuttle Thursday night and before the game, one or more persons using a barstool sports social account, allegedly posted fake, compromising sexual photos created with Artificial Intelligence, meant to be demeaning to the opponent. Dr. Walker’s protocol changes included immediate rules and restrictions.
Among them were that students could not wear shirts that are demeaning, defaming, or otherwise inappropriate toward the opponent. There were to be no posters permitted inside the stadium. There would be no images that are compromising in any way allowed. And, no body paint spelling inappropriate, demeaning or defaming text could be worn.
As well, parents of Newcastle students were asked to review their child’s social media activity to ensure they are not participating in online harassment or inappropriate banter.
Walker’s letter further states that the school system is emphasizing exemplary fan support and sportsmanship, asking parents to reinforce appropriate behavior before and during events.
Newcastle Police Chief Toby Garver said a report of the alleged social posts is under investigation this week. Although no report was filed by an individual, the school resource officer has been in contact with the school administration, and is looking into the social posts.
Barstool sports pages are accounts which show up on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They are run by individuals and have no official connection to Newcastle Public Schools or the national Barstool Sports company. While some posts are lighthearted banter or sports talk, some comments cross the line and have drawn criticism, for cyberbullying, inappropriate editing, or derogatory commentary.
A statement provided by NPS said the following: “Newcastle Public Schools takes inappropriate and offensive conduct involving our students seriously and when we were made aware of the posts, we immediately notified our School Resource Officer and worked collaboratively to investigate their origin.
“We also notified Tuttle Public Schools administration and took steps to reinforce our expectations for student behavior, sportsmanship and responsible use of social media.
“While we recognize that similar content was posted by accounts associated with both Newcastle and Tuttle, we remain focused on our responsibility to our students and our community.
“School spirit and rivalry should never be an excuse for behavior that is offensive, disrespectful or inconsistent with the standards we expect from Newcastle students.
“We will always take concerns of this nature seriously and respond appropriately when those expectations are not met.”
