NAACP and local state House Representative respond to Lutheran High School racism allegations

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Two branches of the NAACP, and a Colorado House District representative, are speaking out after recent allegations of racism involving members of the Lutheran High School community.

The Douglas County and Colorado Springs branches of the NAACP released a statement saying they were concerned over the recent allegations of racism involving Lutheran High School during football games against two Colorado Springs schools, first reported by KRDO13.

RELATED COVERAGE: Sand Creek High School students allege racism from Lutheran High School students

The statement specifically mentioned allegations of racism against Sand Creek and Rampart High School. The statement, signed by the presidents of both branches, says they acknowledge steps taken by Lutheran High School officials to address the allegations, but also requested a meeting with the administration to get more insight to the investigation.

RELATED COVERAGE: Second school in Colorado Springs alleges racism by members of Lutheran High School community

The statement, which was released on Friday, comes on the same day as Air Academy High School forfeited its homecoming game against Lutheran because of the racism allegations, sources told KRDO13. Their statement can be found below.

RELATED COVERAGE: Sources close to Air Academy football cite Lutheran racism allegations as reason for homecoming forfeit

Rep. Dr. Regina English, who represents Colorado House District 17, said in a statement she was "deeply disturbed" by the racism allegations. Rep. English also said in her statement she was concerned by allegations that adults involved in the situation did not "intervene appropriately." Her full statement can be found below.

CHSAA, the governing body for high school sports in Colorado confirmed they were looking into whether the alleged incidents violated the bylaws.

RELATED COVERAGE: CHSAA issues new statement clarifying role in Lutheran racism allegations, ongoing investigation

The statement from the NAACP branch presidents reads, in part:

"These allegations are troubling and deserve a thorough, transparent, and responsible response.

We recognize and appreciate Lutheran High School's acknowledgment of the allegations, its ongoing investigation, and the administration's outreach to the affected schools, including the meeting with District 49 Superintendent Peter Hilts. We also acknowledge the apology extended by Lutheran High School's executive director. These actions represent important initial steps toward addressing the concerns raised.

However, accountability and reconciliation must go hand in hand. While it is important to determine what occurred and address any confirmed misconduct, it is equally important to create opportunities for understanding, healing, and restoring trust among the students, families, and school communities involved. As an organization committed to civil rights, educational equity, and the dignity of all people, the NAACP believes incidents involving allegations of racial discrimination should be addressed seriously and with a commitment to meaningful change. Our goal is not simply to identify wrongdoing, but to ensure that lessons are learned, relationships are strengthened, and similar incidents are prevented in the future.

With this in mind, we respectfully request a meeting with Lutheran High School's administration to better understand the investigation and discuss the school's approach to accountability, reconciliation, and prevention. We would welcome a conversation about how the school plans to address any confirmed misconduct, support affected students, strengthen expectations for respectful conduct at athletic events, and create meaningful opportunities for education and dialogue. We also want to understand how Lutheran High School intends to work with Sand Creek High School, Rampart High School, and their respective communities to rebuild trust.

We recognize that the investigation remains ongoing and that no official findings or disciplinary actions have been announced. We do not seek to prejudge the outcome or interfere with the school's investigative process. Instead, we believe open communication and community engagement can help
ensure a fair, thoughtful response focused on long-term improvement. The NAACP believes that young people and adults should be held accountable for their actions while also being provided opportunities to learn, grow, and become better members of their communities. Schools have a unique responsibility to model these values and demonstrate that respect for others extends beyond the classroom to athletic competitions and every school-sponsored activity.

Our approach is grounded in accountability, education, and reconciliation—not confrontation. We believe this situation presents an opportunity for Lutheran High School and the broader community to demonstrate how difficult circumstances can lead to constructive dialogue, greater understanding, and positive change. We also request that the Colorado High School Activities Association consider the scheduled game between Air Academy High School and Lutheran High School be rescheduled or declared a draw. The students should not be penalized for considering their safety.

We look forward to meeting with your administration and working together toward a resolution that respects the dignity of all students, addresses the concerns raised, and reinforces our shared responsibility to create safe and welcoming educational environments."

Statement from Dr. Regina English, Colorado House District 17:

"I am deeply disturbed and outraged by the reports of racial harassment and intimidation directed at Black student athletes and cheerleaders from Colorado Springs during football games involving Lutheran High School in Parker.

The allegations of students being subjected to racist remarks, compared to Harriet Tubman in a derogatory manner, and taunted with monkey noises are reprehensible. These young women went to support their school, celebrate their teammates, and participate in an activity that should have been positive. Instead, they have described an environment of racial hostility and intimidation.

Let me be clear. Racism is not a misunderstanding, a harmless joke, or simply poor sportsmanship. It is unacceptable behavior that demands accountability.

I am equally troubled by the allegations that adults responsible for protecting these students failed to intervene appropriately. When young people have the courage to report racism, our responsibility as adults is to listen, protect them, and act.

An institution that identifies itself with Christian principles should be among the first to demonstrate compassion, human dignity, and moral accountability. Those values must be reflected in actions, not merely statements.

I call on Lutheran High School leadership to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation, and on the Colorado General High School Activities Association to fully exercise its oversight responsibilities. Where misconduct or violations are substantiated, meaningful corrective action must follow. The students and their families deserve answers, protection from retaliation, and assurances that this will not happen again.

To the young Black women who have spoken out, I want you to know that your voices matter. Your dignity is not negotiable, your experiences deserve to be taken seriously, and you should never have to accept racism as the price of participating in school activities.

As a State Representative, an educator, and a Black woman, I refuse to accept a society in which our children must demonstrate courage simply to demand the respect and humanity they are already owed.

We cannot teach our children that racism is wrong while demonstrating through our inaction that it is tolerable.

Accountability is not optional. Our children deserve better, and I intend to stand with them in demanding it."

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