HARRISON (KFSM) — North Arkansas College has asked its governing athletic body to investigate allegations of racial heckling from fans after the college’s internal investigation revealed one fan made “crow calls” during recent basketball games.
Dr. Randy Esters, Northark president, said the fan had no racial intent and volunteered to stop making the noise if it was perceived to be hurtful.
Esters, who didn’t identify the fan, said the fan wanted to distract opposing players during Jan. 10 games between Labette (Kan.) Community College and Northark.
The internal investigation will continue, but the college reached out to the National Junior College Athletic Association to ensure “complete transparency,” Esters said in a statement released Thursday (Jan. 18). The association oversees two-year colleges.
“I’m confident the NJCAA will conduct a thorough investigation, and Northark will support the outcome and take appropriation action at that time,” Esters said.
The college reviewed available video footage from the games but couldn’t substantiate other reported claims of racial heckling.
Esters said the college didn’t receive any complaints until the Parsons Sun, a Kansas newspaper covering the games, reported that Northark fans shouted “monkey noises and crow caws — a reference to Jim Crow” when Labette players were on offense.
Still, he apologized on behalf of the college and said officials are planning to make sure everyone feels welcome “in Pioneer Country.”
“This is such an unfortunate situation and we are saddened by the thought that anyone would feel unwelcome on our campus,” Esters said.
