Tailgate and Homecoming Parade has been canceled by the Jefferson County School District

⁣FAYETTE, Miss. (VDN) — Jefferson County School District announced today that they have canceled the 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞 in light of multiple shootings across the state over the weekend. This difficult but necessary decision was made in consultation with the Homecoming Committee, athletic department, campus police, Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), and other key officials.⁣⁣
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“Homecoming in Jefferson County is more than an event—it’s a beloved tradition that unites generations,” said Superintendent Dr. Adrian D. Hammitte. “We know how much this moment means to our students, families, alumni, and community. But our first and greatest responsibility is to protect the people we love. We simply cannot in good faith risk putting anyone in harm’s way.”⁣⁣
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While the parade and tailgate will not be held this year, the 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝, and the district is working with MHSAA to move the highly anticipated football game against Franklin County High School to 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.⁣⁣
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Earlier today, district and school leaders met to review and strengthen the safety plan for this Friday’s home game against Port Gibson High School. District officials will also meet with leaders from Claiborne County School District to ensure coordinated planning. As part of these efforts, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 to help ensure the safety of students, families, and community members.⁣⁣
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“This decision was not made lightly,” Dr. Hammitte added. “Homecoming is part of the heartbeat of our district. But no tradition—no matter how meaningful—comes before the safety of our people. We remain committed to celebrating our students and community in ways that protect and uplift us all.”⁣⁣
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The district extends its 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 by the recent violence across the state. JCSD will continue working closely with local, state, and security partners to protect students, staff, and stakeholders.⁣⁣
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Additional information regarding Homecoming activities and game day logistics will be shared in the coming days.⁣⁣
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