In Portland, Oregon, a high school baseball player has drawn attention for using a racial slur during a private team huddle before a game.
The specific slur hasn’t been disclosed, perhaps to protect us from the potential shock of hearing it. Because, clearly, it’s not something anyone has ever encountered before.
Interestingly, the media was invited to witness the aftermath, which gave student leaders a chance to practice their TV interview skills.
This incident took place at Central Catholic School, a well-known Catholic institution in the area.
Unforced Error
A notable aspect is the reaction from Central Catholic’s administration. Here’s what transpired:
- The baseball game was called off immediately.
- The following day’s game was also forfeited.
- All team members were gathered at a special assembly to publicly apologize to their peers.
- Students were then sent home for two days of “distance learning” due to COVID-19 protocols. Notably, the player who used the slur did not face direct consequences.
- This was framed as a way for faculty and staff to prepare to “support the students” upon their return to school.
This meant extra days were invested in processing trauma and mental distress, despite the fact that only the players had actually heard the slur.
Heaven Help Us
Central Catholic is pretty typical for a Catholic high school. They excel in sports and offer a variety of extracurricular activities. The academic standards, as they say, are a notch above the local public schools.
Traditionally, Catholic schools have maintained a certain sense of discipline regarding behavior and educational philosophy.
If a parent desires an education steeped in modern societal trends, public school is the way to go. However, if a more classical, disciplined approach is preferred, a Catholic school would usually be the choice. But it seems that might not hold true anymore. A public high school wouldn’t likely close down for two days over a verbal slip from a student athlete.
In the Beginning… There Were Words
One might speculate that the term used was a variation of a derogatory term historically linked to the outdated “negro,” possibly altered by hip-hop culture over the years. Given its popularity, this version has become more commonly accepted among young people across different backgrounds.
For decades, our entertainment industry has saturated young audiences with this term, presenting it in a humorous and trendy light. Meanwhile, the academic community condemns its use as if it were the ultimate sin.
Sure, it’s not appropriate for a school setting. It is, after all, offensive and can still belittle individuals. But a two-day school closure? A full assembly? And coverage by local media? All this fuss over something only a small group actually heard?
What if the administration had simply talked privately with the players instead?
Truant Believer
But that would be too simple. The overreaction seems to be aimed at showcasing moral high ground. It may inadvertently hinder the student’s high school experience.
After about a week, students staged a walkout in protest, asserting, “It’s not enough!” as they gathered outside, roaming the streets and even filming TikTok videos.
And, of course, the media was there. A chance for student leaders to hone their on-screen skills.
This is what’s currently being instilled in Catholic schools: protest, complaint, confusion—essentially opting out of learning altogether.
Meter DEI
This controversy sheds light on the fact that Catholic schools are no longer insulated from progressive ideologies; in many ways, they seem to be embracing them.
So, what are parents to do if they wish to send their kids to a genuinely Christian school? One devoid of progressive ideologies like pride flags or public discussions around gender identity. A place where kids aren’t labeled with ADHD or misunderstood masculinity and where America isn’t consistently criticized by left-leaning textbooks.
There are, fortunately, some authentic Christian schools in Portland. They often remain under the radar, quietly existing to avoid attracting the ire of local authorities or biased media.
Bad Education
So, what was Central Catholic trying to accomplish during this uproar over the racial slur?
It seemed to be more about virtue signaling than about providing a constructive solution, allowing for exaggerated outrage while claiming a moral high ground.
This is happening in Oregon, a state notorious for poor educational outcomes. In Portland, the choices for parents often boil down to “bad,” “worse,” or “terrible.”
That is, until one discovers those obscure Christian institutions that genuinely focus on education—just don’t let anyone know where they are!
