Elmont parents and community members met to discuss ways to keep their students protected from what they say has been consistent racially motivated attacks during school sporting events.

During a meeting Wednesday, organized by the Elmont Dad’s Club and PTSA, parents say their children have had to face these attacks for years, including hearing the N-word hurled at them. 

"Enough is enough because at the end of the day, we have to protect these children,” said Elmont Dad's Club member Tito Bayne.  

The meeting comes after a physical altercation during a girls basketball game between Elmont and Kennedy High School on Feb. 7.

"We're just trying to see how we can all work together to resolve these matters, address them,” said Elmont Dad's Club member Sheldon Meikle.

This is not the first incident between Elmont and Bellmore players.

Back in December 2021, a Mepham High School student was accused of using bananas to taunt Black Elmont players during a junior varsity game.

"If we're constantly having an issue with one school, why haven't the cultures sat down and talked and said, 'Hey, how can we hash this out because we seem to keep having this problem,’” said Bayne.

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District said in a statement, “The claim that the district has been unresponsive to concerns about racism in athletics is untrue. The district does not tolerate racism, intolerance or discrimination of any type. We have extended our deepest apologies and held ourselves accountable for unfortunate behaviors that have occurred in the past with Elmont Memorial High School. As a district, we remain committed to promoting an environment that is respectful of all.”

During the meeting, community members expressed interest in not playing games against Bellmore-Merrick Central High Schools.

In a statement to News 12, Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent Regina Agrusa said, “The district’s primary focus will always be our students. The PTSA and Dads Club are meeting to discuss the best ways to support our student athletes. The purpose of this discussion is to provide parents and staff with a safe space to speak about the frustrations and pain felt by some student athletes during competitions.  The district leadership is committed to ensuring that all student athletes feel safe and supported so that they can thrive and succeed.”

"It's all about our kids and making sure that our kids aren't experiencing trauma that's going to last them a lifetime,” said Meikle.

Section 8, the governing body for sports in Nassau, told News 12 “no comment” when asked about the Feb. 7 incident.

A Section 8 representative was at the meeting Wednesday night. 

During the meeting, Sewanhaka Superintendent Agrusa told attendees she would explore the idea floated by community members of removing Bellmore-Merrick CHSD games from the teams schedules.

Parents say their students previously tried meeting with Sewanhaka CHSD and Section 8 officials about doing so in the past, but say nothing really came from the meetings.