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Board hears report of violent incident at Fairfield Ward game; superintendent to alert athletic director and police
Summary
A board member reported students from a non‑Bridgeport team chased Bullard‑Havens players off the field at Fairfield Ward, yelling racial slurs and striking with poles. The superintendent said he would notify the athletic director and police and consider precautions; the board discussed possible actions including greater security at away games.
A violent incident at a Sept. 20 high‑school football game in Fairfield Ward drew attention at the Bridgeport Board of Education’s Sept. 22 meeting, and trustees asked district staff to coordinate with athletics and police to prevent repeats.
Board member Esther Ramirez described the incident, saying Fairfield Ward students chased Bullard‑Havens players off the field, used racial slurs and that cheerleaders “were chasing them off the field with metal poles.” She said police were called and attempted arrests at the game and that Bridgeport students had difficulty getting onto buses after the contest.
Ramirez said she raised the issue because other Bridgeport high schools play the same team and she feared for student safety at future contests. “If it means boycotting playing at Ward, then I fully support that,” she said.
Superintendent Dr. Avery said he would alert the athletic director and the district’s police liaisons and work with law enforcement and school staff to coordinate precautions at future games. “I will bring this to the athletic director and to…assistant chief Greg regarding, you know, that particular team and being able to kinda put them on alert,” he told the board.
Why it matters: The incident involved alleged racial slurs and aggressive conduct and raised concerns about student safety at interscholastic events. Board members asked staff to prepare steps the district can take, including limiting spectators, adding security and notifying local police before upcoming games.
Next steps: The superintendent said he would notify the athletic director and police and report back; the board agreed staff should take precautionary steps when Bridgeport teams play the same opponent.
