• Detroit Public Schools Community District, on behalf of the Board of Education, expresses deep concern over the incidents that occurred during the Cass Technical High School vs. Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School football game on Friday, September 19, 2025.

     
    What should have been a spirited showcase of student talent and community pride instead revealed serious challenges and an alarming breakdown in climate and culture—undermining the integrity of our district’s brand and the trust families place in us.
     
    A single entrance and long lines created frustration and delayed entry for many spectators, prompting some individuals to jump the fence for access, which raised immediate concerns about the security of all. Authorities ultimately chose to discontinue the game to ensure safety.
    To clarify: total attendance was 5,546—within Wayne State University’s 6,439-seat capacity. The District did not sell tickets beyond capacity, and all tickets presented at the gate were verified; however, the seating for both bands consumed available real estate for ticketholders. 
     
    There were also reports of conduct that fell short of our expectations for sportsmanship and respect towards one another, as well as our fans and supporters.  The caliber of talent on display at halftime should never include content that is offensive to anyone-- from the youngest child to the oldest adult.  To normalize such performances directly contradicts our strategic plan's "student first" ideology. 
     
    Effective immediately, the Board has directed the Superintendent to present a corrective action plan at the next Board meeting. 
     
    This plan will:
     
    We are committed to restoring confidence and ensuring every DPSCD event reflects the excellence, respect, and positive culture our community deserves. We will hold ourselves accountable—and we will do better.
     
    Bishop Corletta Vaughn, Ph.D.
    President, Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education