The Lawrence High vs. Free State rivalry is one with rich tradition.

This years pranks are some which the community will never forget. The profanity on the football field contained racial slurs and the so-called “poor” demographic status of Lawrence High. A few days later, both schools were targeted by graffiti spray-painted on a bus.

These pranks struck a chord with students in both of the schools. Parents, teachers and other members of the community were shocked by the racial vandalism.

Can We Talk from Lawrence High teamed up with the Can we Talk from Free State on Oct. 7 at the Lawrence Public Library to discuss the issue. There, they talked about what happened, why it happened and how both schools and the community could help to move forward.

“Our superintendent, board members and members of our community are brave soldiers who are willing to have this conversation about race,” said Keith Jones, an assistant principal and Can We Talk adviser from Free State. “Our leadership believes that equity is a big part of our work here in the Lawrence Public School District.”

The meeting brought high hopes to those who attended: Hope that no prank would go as far as it went this year, as well as hope to educate those who did not understand the severity of what was put on the football field.

“I hope that it opens up awareness to our community,” said school counselor and Can We Talk adviser Lynisha Thomas. “I want people to know that it’s not a conversation about who’s racist and who’s not. It’s an educational conversation about how we can prevent things like this from happening.”

Students and teachers from both schools shared a mutual hope of bettering the community.

“After the meeting, everyone’s spirits were raised in a way,” said Thomas. “Great things will come out of this.”