CHSAA places Lutheran High School on probation, potential suspension after racism allegations first reported by KRDO13
PARKER, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has placed Lutheran High School's athletic department on probation for at least 12 months following allegations of racism at recent football games.
CHSAA says the school has also been put on a formal notice that it faces suspension of its membership. The governing body of high school sports in the state says it has determined that "racist and discriminatory language and unacceptable behavior occurred at Lutheran athletic events."
KRDO13 was the first to break the story on allegations of racism against members of the Sand Creek High School community. Following that initial report, members of the Rampart High School community say they also experienced racism by members of Lutheran at a JV and Varsity football game.
RELATED COVERAGE: Sand Creek High School students allege racism from Lutheran High School students
CHSAA says its determination comes after a review of documentation, official game reports and first-hand accounts of other schools' students and communities. They had previously confirmed they were investigating the alleged racism and were evaluating the claims based on their bylaws.
After those games, Air Academy High School and Coronado High School forfeited games against Lutheran, citing the racism allegations.
RELATED COVERAGE: Coronado High School forfeits football game against Lutheran High School amidst racism allegations
Most recently, Palmer Ridge High School said they would play Lutheran in their upcoming game, saying they condemned racism but were using the game as an opportunity to show the Palmer Ridge team's values.
RELATED COVERAGE: Palmer Ridge football coach says team will not forfeit its upcoming game against Lutheran High School
According to officials, Lutheran is now required to complete a detailed Corrective Action Plan that looks at game management, spectator conduct, staff training and school culture. There are also other requirements CHSAA says take effect now and continue throughout the 12 month period, but did not specify what those were.
Lutheran leadership will have to meet with the CHSAA Board of Directors to "demonstrate growth and progress in the areas identified in the plan." According to CHSAA, if those requirements aren't met, the board can suspend Lutheran High School's membership to CHSAA.
That suspension removes a school from membership and can prohibit its participation in any or all CHSAA-sponsored activities.
Academy District 20's president and interim superintendent, where both Rampart and Air Academy are, released a statement saying that, in part, they appreciate the "thoughtful" review conducted by CHSAA following the concerns raised by school members.
CHSAA's full statement:
"The Colorado High School Activities Association has put Lutheran High School on formal notice that it faces suspension of its membership, and has placed its athletic department on probation for at least 12 months, effective immediately, after determining that racist and discriminatory language and unacceptable behavior occurred at Lutheran athletic events.
Racism and discrimination have no place in our schools or at our events. CHSAA takes sportsmanship, crowd control and the treatment of every participant at our events seriously, and every member school is responsible for the conduct of its coaches, players and spectators.
CHSAA’s determination follows a comprehensive review of documentation, official game reports, and first-hand accounts that member schools gathered from their students and communities. Lutheran High School is required to complete a detailed Corrective Action Plan addressing game management, spectator conduct, staff training and school culture, with requirements that take effect immediately and continue throughout the 12-month probationary period. The plan concludes with Lutheran leadership appearing before the CHSAA Board of Directors to demonstrate growth and progress in the areas identified in the plan.
If those requirements are not met, CHSAA will recommend that the Board of Directors suspend Lutheran High School’s membership in the Association, for a length of time determined by the Board. Suspension removes a school from CHSAA membership and can prohibit its participation in any or all CHSAA-sponsored activities."
D20 President Susan Payne & Interim Superintendent Dr. Susan Field's statement on Lutheran probation:
"Academy District 20 appreciates the thoughtful, thorough, and systematic review conducted by the Colorado High School Activities Association Leadership Team following concerns raised by students, families, and schools in our community.
Our District shares CHSAA’s commitment to student-centered experiences that promote sportsmanship, and are free from racism, hate, and discrimination. As a District, we aim to be part of the solution, and we will remain focused on events where our students, families, coaches, and staff members can engage and compete with dignity and respect.
School events should always impart the knowledge, skills, and character to bring our communities together in a respectful way."
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