Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair
I am deeply disturbed and outraged that malicious, racist harassment cast a dark shadow on what should have been a joyous occasion for accomplished student-athletes.
I condemn the people who committed these hateful acts and hope they will be brought to justice. I likewise condemn David Reilly, a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, for interrupting a press conference by local leaders addressing the harassment.
Racism is a painful and ugly part of Idaho’s history, particularly in Kootenai County, and clearly persists today, but it need not be part of our future. It is time for every Idahoan — and especially our leaders — to reaffirm our commitment to ending racial injustice.