Congresswoman Bynum: “A racial slur is not trash talk. It’s not a rivalry. It’s straight up racist.”

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) released the following statement following the alleged use of a racial slur during a recent Oregon high school football game.

"Football is supposed to be about teamwork, healthy competition, and kids getting the chance to do something they love," said Rep. Bynum. "A kid should be able to put on their jersey, take the field, and worry about the next play - not whether someone is going to attack them on their race, sex, religion, or any other distinguishing feature. A racial slur is not trash talk. It's not a rivalry. It's straight up racist. In the state legislature, I sponsored legislation to make sure incidents like this couldn't just be swept under the rug. We can't ask young people to speak up and then fail them when they do. We need to teach our kids that reporting incidents like these will be taken seriously, investigated, and appropriately addressed based on the findings.

"The Oregon School Activities Association must step up and double down on eliminating these incidents. I have no tolerance for our kids being harmed in competition by racial slurs. And I have no patience for mealy-mouthed adults who throw their hands up and say there's nothing we can do. If OSAA does not act, the governor and legislature should consider taking up a stronger set of sanctions sooner, rather than later."

As a state legislator, Congresswoman Bynum introduced HB 3409, requiring a process for reporting and responding to harassment and hateful language during school sports and activities. The legislation was in response to a 2019 racial slur incident at Parkrose High School during a girls varsity basketball game, as well as other reports from students around the state.

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