Band students suspended after rivals fruit basket accused of being racially motivated

HOUSTON -- Atascocita High School band members are in trouble over a gift they gave their rival school before the varsity football game on Friday.

The gift is supposed to encourage good sportsmanship. Humble Independent School District, instead, said it was racist.

Seven band members presented their gift to their counterparts in the Summer Creek High School band on the field before the game. Along with candy and a decorated bucket for Halloween was a small watermelon, coconut, pineapple and watermelon gum.

Eyewitness News spoke to two of the band members and their parents. The students said they never dreamed it would be considered racist.

"We didn't do anything wrong," said Carolina Andaverde, who plays the flute. "We wouldn't do that because we know better than that. Our parents raised us better."

"I'm mixed (race). I don't take offense to that. How can someone else take offense?" asked senior Alyssa Taylor.

They've been told they'll be punished, which might include suspension and no more band.

"It's just not fair, not fair. They're good kids with good heads on their shoulders," said Hector Andaverde, Carolina's father.

Humble ISD said in a statement:

The district wouldn't disclose punishment citing privacy laws.

"We weren't being racist toward them (Summer Creek)," Andaverde said. "If they took it that way, we're sorry. We didn't mean any harm."