The incident that occurred to the Utah women’s basketball team was undeniably terrible. According to the members of the team who spoke to KSL.com, they were repeatedly subjected to racial slurs while entering and leaving a restaurant in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It is evident that the decision to accommodate the team in a hotel in that town lacked either a historical understanding or simply disregarded the disturbing white supremacist history associated with Idaho, especially that specific town.
It is undeniable that individuals with compassionate hearts are able to empathize with the Black athletes and other team members who were subjected to racial slurs multiple times while simply going about their daily lives. They were merely seeking to partake in the excitement and enjoyment of the event.
“We were all in a state of shock, exchanging bewildered glances with one another, unable to believe what we had just heard,” recalled Charmelle Green, the Utah deputy athletics director, who is Black, in an interview with KSL.com. “The cheerleaders, along with the students in the vicinity who clearly heard the remark, were completely taken aback. We continued walking, shaking our heads in disbelief.”
It is important to acknowledge the truth and validity of the situation. However, it would be a mistake to solely focus on the fact that this incident occurred in Idaho and to assume that the state, or certain parts of it, are more racially prejudiced than other states. Let’s refrain from adopting a condescending attitude and saying things like, “Look at those terrible people in Idaho. At least we’re not like them.”
It’s important to emphasize that the situation is consistently unfavorable, regardless of location or time.
Hate is a pervasive force that exists in every corner of our country, with no place untouched by its presence. While some areas may showcase it more openly, the reality is that hate knows no boundaries. It spreads like a contagious virus, infecting countless individuals across the United States. This isn’t limited to specific regions like Idaho or the South; it permeates every inch of our nation, reminding us that it’s an issue we must confront collectively.
Everyday occurrences like what happened to the Utah team often go unnoticed. In this particular case, it involved a high-profile team and took place during a widely recognized event like the tournament. However, similar incidents, or even worse ones, happen to individuals who aren’t college athletes, and unfortunately, they often go unreported or unnoticed.
The pain suffered by the Utah team is real and stinging, and it should not be undermined in any way. However, it is important to acknowledge that what happened to them is a quintessentially American experience.
The proof of this is evident in various incidents across the nation. For instance, in Pittsburgh, a Jewish place of worship was targeted by a white supremacist, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives. Similarly, in Buffalo, another white supremacist carried out a heinous act, targeting and murdering Black individuals who were simply going about their daily lives, shopping for groceries. South Carolina also witnessed a devastating incident where a white supremacist targeted a Black place of worship, causing the loss of numerous innocent lives. In Texas, a Walmart became the site of yet another horrific act, as a white supremacist targeted and killed Latino shoppers. These incidents are not isolated to distant or remote areas but are happening in various corners of our country.
“It’s incredibly upsetting for all of us,” she expressed. “In our world of athletics and university settings, it’s truly shocking. College campuses are known for their diversity, so instances like this are rare. When it does happen, people are often taken aback and say, ‘I can’t believe this happened.’ But the truth is, racism is a real and terrible thing.”
“It was truly distressing for our players, regardless of their race or background, to witness such a situation unfold. The fact that nobody knew how to handle it only added to the frustration. It is deeply unsettling that our players and staff didn’t feel safe in an NCAA Tournament setting.”
Black students encounter racism at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and other locations on a regular basis, despite Roberts’ insightful and significant remarks. No setting is immune to such incidents. In fact, just this year, the Justice Department strongly criticized an entire school district in Utah for disregarding the voices of numerous Black students who reported being subjected to derogatory slurs, racial epithets, and menacing threats of lynching.
