Accusations hurl about game

By Linda Cicoira

Superintendent Gennifer Miller of Accomack County Public Schools posted a statement on the division’s website Friday that mentioned “racist comments” that “were directed toward student-athletes” at a volleyball game between a county school team and Broadwater Academy Thursday night.

The message was addressed to ACPS champions and stated: ACPS “is aware of the racist comments directed toward our student-athletes … ACPS unequivocally condemns racism and discrimination in all forms.”

The statement did not specifically name who was being accused of wrongdoing. However, the comments seemed to be directed Broadwater Academy’s students or fans.

Broadwater Head of School Fran Ryan commented late Friday. “Broadwater Academy is aware of the reckless statement issued by Dr. Gennifer Miller regarding events at the Broadwater gymnasium volleyball contest on Sept. 11, 2025.

“Allegations of racial remarks that Superintendent Miller attributes to members of the Broadwater community are categorically untrue and were made by Dr. Miller with a reckless disregard for the truth. The officials from the Eastern Volleyball Association have reported that no inappropriate, racist or unkind remarks were heard or observed during the two volleyball contests. Broadwater had six senior faculty members and administrators, including the head of school present throughout the gym, and none observed any inappropriate behavior. These faculty and administrators would not have sat idly by while any sort of … conduct Dr. Miller accuses the students of occurred.”

Ryan added that “No identified Accomack County administrator was present in the gymnasium. Racism and hate-based speech are never tolerated at Broadwater. The Broadwater Academy consists of a diverse student body, which it strives to develop into the next generation of respectful, civic-minded leaders and productive citizens.”

ACPS spokesperson Danielle Clark responded to questions about the alleged name-calling on Friday afternoon.

“The incident was reported to the ACPS school administration last night,” Clark wrote in an email. “The consistency of accounts from student athletes and parents who were in attendance gives credence to the validity of the statements. The comments were allegedly directed by the audience section representing Broadwater. Our student athletes and parents” heard them, she said.

“An ACPS athlete approached a referee, who then brought the matter to the attention of the Broadwater assistant athletic director,” Clark said. When asked about recordings, she said, “I do not have any video from the game.”

“In the posted statement, Miller said, “I have spoken directly with the Head of School at Broadwater Academy, as well as the commissioner of the Volleyball Eastern Shore Officials Association, regarding this incident. The behavior witnessed last night is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our student-athletes, like all students, deserve to learn, grow, and compete in an environment of dignity, respect, and safety,” Miller wrote. “If such behavior occurs again and is not addressed immediately, our teams will exit the court or field, board the bus, and return home. The safety, dignity, and well-being of our students will always come first.”

The superintendent wrote that the “standards and expectations extend to all athletic, academic, and extra-curricular events, including games played between schools within Accomack County. Anyone who fails to adhere to these expectations of respect and sportsmanship will be asked to leave the event. ACPS will not permit any environment that diminishes the dignity of our students or undermines the values of inclusivity, equity, and unity … Our school family and community can be assured that ACPS will continue to stand firmly against racism and will work to ensure that our schools and programs reflect the values of respect, dignity, and good sportsmanship.”

Clark said due to the limited number of schools within close proximity to Accomack County, it is common for ACPS to play schools that are not a part of the Virginia High School League.