June 22, 2021

REP. VARGAS' STATEMENT ON ACTS OF RACISM AT LOCAL BASKETBALL GAME

San Diego, CA (June 22, 2021)— Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after reports of racist behavior at a local high school basketball game this weekend. 

 

"I was very saddened after reviewing videos showing local high school students participating in racist demonstrations after what should be a friendly match. This type of behavior has to stop. If these students walk away from this moment without being responsible for their actions, then we are also to blame for allowing acts of racism to continue.

 

"Unfortunately, this is another harsh reminder that racism is a part of everyday life for some communities. We must do our part to teach our students – either through curriculum or through consequences. The championship should be revoked and the coaches in question should be terminated.

 

"Part of being a champion is knowing how to display great sportsmanship in a win or defeat. The students who participated in the racist acts are not deserving of this title. The staff who looked the other way must also be held accountable. These are imperative steps to make it very clear that racism cannot and will not be tolerated in our communities.”

 

Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all Imperial County, and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fifth term in Congress. 

 

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