Suspension overturned for Sheboygan Falls H.S. athletes



SHEBOYGAN FALLS (WITI) -- The suspension of two students athletes from Sheboygan Falls High School has been overturned. They will play in Friday night's game against Plymouth.

The teenagers, Jordan and Juwaun Jackson, caught the attention of their community after being photographed for the local newspaper holding up what some have identified as gang signs.

Friday morning, the students' parents requested an appeal hearing on the matter. The hearing was conducted at 2 p.m. Friday by High School Principal Luke Goral and three volunteer members of the district staff comprising the Extra-Curricular Council.

The parents of the student athletes spoke at the hearing for about 20 minutes. The district then took about the same amount of time before coming up with its decision.

"They were very upset, initially, that they weren't going to be able to play basketball," said Lisa Jackson, the boys' mother. "We just basically let them know that, hey, we are a good family."

The parents of the teens tell FOX6 News they are happy with the outcome -- and pleased with all of the support they've received from the community.

"I think the support we got around the state made a huge difference," said Jordan Jackson.

The ACLU said they are pleased with the decision. The group has contacted the school administrator asking for the decision to be overturned and says they will continue to investigate the district's policies and practices.

Surrounded by cheers, the brothers took to the basketball court against arch rival, Plymouth, on Friday evening. Sheboygan Falls fell to Plymouth, however, by a score of 78-39.



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