Racists in Ferndale?

Thadeus Greenson covers a third allegation that Ferndale football fans have created racial incidents at the team's games -- the story is at the Eureka Times-Standard. This is the third such incident alleged within the past year.

Salesian High School Athletic Director Charles Nightingale is quoted by Greenson as saying "I was livid that one of my coaches was called a n*** and that three of their assistants called my kids classless." Salesian had just beat Ferndale 42-6, but Nightingale said he couldn't enjoy the win.

How hard would it be for Ferndale to implement and publicize a zero-tolerance policy, requiring their students to report any such slurs, and immediately forfeiting a game if such a slur is reported? Why is this policy not already in place?

Ferndale's Principal and Superintendent is Jack Lakin. Ferndale's Coach and Athletic Director is Kim Jorgensen. Salesian's Nightingale is quoted in the T-S as saying he tried to talk to Lakin about the incident. ”He refused to speak to me,” Nightingale said. “He said, 'I have nothing to say to you.'”

Ferndale High School's phone number is (707) 786-5900.