Attempts to contact both men were unsuccessful.

An individual posted on the social media app Nextdoor following the March 25 game against Westbury High School that the players made monkey sounds, danced and used racial slurs when a Black pitcher took the mound for Westbury.

Earlier this week, HISD confirmed it had opened an investigation into the accusations and re-opened a probe closed in early March regarding allegations the same coach in January had told a Black student with an afro he would have to cut his hair to play baseball.

“HISD is in the process of investigating the events that occurred during and after the Bellaire at Westbury baseball game,” the district said in a statement. “HISD Police were present at the game and following the game to ensure an orderly departure. We take all of the allegations seriously and when the investigation is completed the school district will take appropriate action to ensure our students and staff have access to a safe environment.”

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Erica Rhone, whose son Duro Dino III was told to cut his afro, received a letter Wednesday from the district notifying her the investigation into an allegation the coach had discriminated against Duro had been re-opened this week “for further examination.”

“Information that was provided to District Investigators on March 29, 2022, creates the need to revisit the findings,” the letter stated.

Duro transferred from Bellaire to Lamar High School in January.

“I just feel hurt,” Rhone said in an interview this week. “It goes back to cause and effect because they did nothing about it and turned a blind eye to what happened to my son — and brushed it under the rug like my son didn’t matter and violated his civil rights — more children’s civil rights are being violated. They’re being hurt, too, they’re being hurt. These boys are saying they’re wanting to walk away from the game they love.”

In initially closing the investigation, HISD officials said they could not substantiate the allegation that the coach discriminated against Duro, but did find the coach violated a district policy “by dismissing concerns of racial slurs made amongst the baseball players.” The policy referenced in the letter, sent to Rhone March 11, outlines the educators’ code of ethics.

Rhone said the players did not use the racial slurs against Duro, but the coach did.

“He was the only one that said the racial slur in the hallway directly to my son,” said Rhone, adding she has retained a lawyer for possible legal action.

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Following the circulation of the allegations about the Bellaire-Westbury game on social media, the principal of Bellaire, Michael McDonough, posted a messge on the school’s website expressing support for the district’s investigations.

“I have both a personal and professional appreciation for each school and I’m saddened by what may have occurred,” McDonough, who previously taught at Westbury, wrote. “Day after day, I have seen so many examples of our students seeing the best in others, while accepting the differences that exist. Our school community is not perfect yet I believe in our resolve to be better. And I’m glad to have the chance to be a part of that work.”

alejandro.serrano@chron.com