$53,000 Raised as Lutheran Parent Group Seeks Security and Legal Action

The recent high school football schedule in Colorado has been overshadowed by a heated debate over racial conduct and administrative handling. This dispute has now escalated into a financial campaign, with a parent group raising over $53,000 to support their school's response to the situation.

The core of the conflict involves Air Academy High School, which forfeited its October 9 homecoming game against Lutheran High School of Parker. The public explanation given by the school was a lack of sufficient coaching staff. However, internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act reveal a different motivation. Head football coach Waymond Jackson told district leaders he was unwilling to risk his players facing what he called racial abuse. He emphasized that the decision was about safety, not just the sport, stating that he would not knowingly send Black students and their families into a potentially hostile environment without a full investigation and concrete accountability measures.

The controversy traces back to a September 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks and gestures. These included calling Black cheerleaders by a historical figure's name, using slurs, and whipping belts toward them. Jackson also cited claims from Rampart High School staff regarding similar behavior directed at their families. He noted that reports of this conduct came from two different schools across three games and two levels of play.

Despite these reports, a rift emerged within Academy District 20. While Jackson wanted the district to formally back the forfeit decision, administrators seemed to prefer a quieter approach. One assistant superintendent directed Jackson not to inform his staff or students of the decision. The district's official statement on October 8 attributed the forfeit to individual decisions affecting coaching participation, while communications chief Mark Belcher noted that personal emails do not always reflect the official stance. Jackson, who is not permitted to speak to the media, described the lack of district support as a significant setback.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language across multiple football and basketball events. The organization has threatened suspension unless the school completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke stated that the school condemns racism and intends to meet all requirements. He expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete, noting that the school had offered a spectator plan and a meeting with head coaches. Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran during this period.

Looking ahead, Lutheran is scheduled to play Montrose this Friday, marking its first game since the controversy began. In parallel, the parent coalition has launched an online fundraiser to cover security costs and legal actions involving the activities association, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school community of racism. As of Thursday, the campaign had raised more than $53,000 toward a goal of $500,000.