Broadwater Academy Pushes Back on Allegations Following Volleyball Match

EXMORE, Va. — Broadwater Academy is disputing allegations of inappropriate remarks made by its students during a volleyball contest with Accomack County Public Schools, calling the claims “categorically untrue” and criticizing the superintendent’s statement as reckless.

The controversy began after Accomack County Schools Superintendent Dr. Gennifer Miller released a statement alleging Broadwater students directed racial remarks during the September 11 match at Broadwater’s gymnasium. The claim sparked a wave of online criticism and prompted Broadwater to issue its own press release Friday.

“Allegations of racial remarks that Superintendent Miller attributes to members of the Broadwater community are categorically untrue,” the Broadwater statement read, adding that Eastern Volleyball Association officials reported hearing no inappropriate or racist remarks during the contests.

Broadwater’s head of school noted that six senior faculty members and administrators, including himself, were present throughout the games and observed no misconduct. “These faculty and administrators would not have sat idly by while any sort of the conduct Dr. Miller accuses the students of occurred,” the statement said.

In a letter to Broadwater families, school leadership said online reports had targeted the student section but emphasized that no administrators or volleyball officials corroborated the allegations. Faculty on duty, the letter added, reminded students not to engage with aggressive opposing fans.

The school said it has consulted with local law enforcement and the Commonwealth’s attorney regarding some of the online activity surrounding the controversy. Officials stressed their priority remains the safety of students and families.

“No identified Accomack County administrator was present in the gymnasium,” the Broadwater press release noted. It also reaffirmed the school’s stance that racism and hate-based speech are never tolerated on campus.

Broadwater’s leadership confirmed ongoing conversations with Accomack officials, including Shaun O’Shea, principal of Arcadia High School, and Superintendent Miller. The academy said it is working with legal counsel as it continues to respond to the situation.