A Cranberry Township mother said her sixth-grade son received a multitude of racially charged and derogatory texts from his basketball teammates on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Amanda Latham said after her son told his teammates via group text he was unable to attend an optional event at LaRoche College, his teammates responded by sending racially charged text messages.

“They referred to him as a monkey and said he has ‘yet to evolve,’” Latham said. She went on to describe other racially charged language used in the text thread.

The team’s coach, Joshua Plunkard, said he was canceling the rest of the season.

Linda Andreassi, communications director for Seneca Valley School District, said the district was aware of the group text exchange including the racial slurs and said the involved traveling youth community league was not affiliated with the school district.

“Although the youth community league does not fall under the jurisdiction of the District or the Seneca Valley Athletics Department, we recognize that these are our students, and we understand that providing an inclusive and respectful environment is important both inside and outside our walls,” she said.

Latham, who has three biracial children who attend Ehrman Crest Elementary and Middle School, said this is this not the first time her children have had to deal with racist remarks from other students.

“This has happened at least five times at Seneca Valley with our family,” Latham said. “And I’ve already sat at the school and talked to (the administration) about the things that have been said to my kids.”

Latham said the most recent incident has been the most severe.

Andreassi said the school district is collaborating with the youth community league coach to establish a plan to address the students and parents in this situation.

“We will share with them our strong beliefs on this matter and will also provide the team with our support and educational resources,” she said.

Latham said previous discussion with school administration about racist behavior have not been fruitful. She said she has requested a formal policy from the school district outlining the actions the school plans to take.

Those requests, according to Latham, have gone unheeded.

“There might not be repeat offenders from Seneca Valley, but my kids are repeat victims,” Latham said.