Greenville, SC, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, SC, has terminated the services of a public address announcer following a derogatory comparison made during a football game. The comment was met with community backlash, prompting immediate action from CCES. Head of School David Padilla emphasized the school’s commitment to respect and inclusion, and in light of the incident, plans to enhance the vetting process for future announcers. SC State University President Alexander Conyers expressed disappointment over the remarks but appreciated CCES’s swift response.
Greenville, South Carolina – Christ Church Episcopal School (CCES) has decided to terminate the services of a public address announcer following a derogatory comment made during a football game on Friday. The announcer made an inappropriate comparison between South Carolina State University (SC State) and the South Carolina Department of Corrections, prompting immediate backlash from the community.
In response to the incident, the announcer was instructed to issue an immediate apology over the microphone during the game. Although the announcer was contracted to provide services for CCES, it is important to note that they were not a direct employee of the school.
Following the event, CCES Head of School David Padilla sent a letter informing the CCES community about the situation. He clarified that the comments made during the game did not involve the school’s students and stressed the importance of maintaining respect and inclusion in all school-related activities. Padilla expressed his intentions to ensure that future gatherings align with the school’s values of dignity and respect.
Notably, SC State President Alexander Conyers reached out to Padilla after the incident to discuss the implications of the comment made by the announcer. During their conversation, Padilla extended an apology to Conyers on behalf of CCES. Conyers emphasized the longstanding reputation of SC State, which has been a symbol of excellence, dignity, and opportunity for nearly 130 years. He stated the university expects respect for its students and alumni, and he appreciated the swift action taken by CCES to address the matter.
Alumni from SC State expressed their feelings of hurt and disappointment regarding the derogatory comment. Community members such as Katrina Johnson and Sonya Jenkins highlighted the insensitivity of making such comparisons, especially towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Jenkins pointed out that comparisons to convicts are particularly disrespectful and undermining of the hard work and achievements of these institutions.
In light of the incident, Padilla reiterated CCES’s commitment to uphold its values and announced plans to enhance their vetting process for announcers in the future. He acknowledged that the incident does not represent the school’s true beliefs or values, and extended further apologies to the SC State community, emphasizing the importance of a united commitment to respect and inclusion.
Following the incident, many alumni expressed hope for positive changes within CCES and appreciated the steps being considered to prevent similar occurrences in the future. One alumna remarked that the proposed enhanced vetting process is a constructive move towards ensuring a more respectful environment.
SC State’s official response highlighted their commitment to dignity and respect, appreciating the leadership at CCES for addressing the incident promptly and effectively. The institution expressed a hope for continued collaboration and understanding moving forward.
FAQ Section
What happened at the football game involving Christ Church Episcopal School?
A public address announcer made a derogatory comment comparing South Carolina State University to the South Carolina Department of Corrections during a football game, resulting in immediate criticisms and actions taken by the school.
What actions did Christ Church Episcopal School take in response to the announcer’s comment?
CCES removed the announcer from future events and required them to issue an immediate apology over the microphone. Head of School David Padilla sent a letter to the CCES community addressing the incident.
Was the announcer an employee of Christ Church Episcopal School?
No, the announcer was contracted for services and was not a direct employee of the school.
How did South Carolina State University respond to the incident?
SC State President Alexander Conyers discussed the incident with Padilla, received an apology, and expressed the expectation of respect for the university’s students and alumni.
What has CCES stated about their commitment to community values?
CCES has reiterated its commitment to respect and inclusion, stating that they will reinforce their values and enhance their vetting process for announcers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Christ Church Episcopal School Ends Ties with Announcer Over Derogatory Comments
High School Football Takes Center Stage in South Carolina
CCES Dismisses Announcer After Derogatory Comment
Christ Church Episcopal School Terminates Announcer After Racist Comments
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Upstate School Removes Announcer
- WYFF4: School Football Announcer Controversy
- Greenville Online: Christ Church High School Football
- Wikipedia: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Google Search: South Carolina State University
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