Coach Withdrew Team Over Racial Safety Fears

A conflict erupted within Academy District 20 over whether Air Academy High School should play Lutheran High School of Parker, with the head football coach arguing that racial safety concerns outweighed competitive obligations. Internal emails obtained via the Colorado Open Records Act show a divide between coach and dean Waymond Jackson and district administrators who preferred a quiet resolution.

The dispute traces back to a September 24 football game against Sand Creek High School. Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran spectators used slurs, called Black girls "Harriet Tubman," and whipped belts toward the team. Jackson also referenced similar incidents involving Rampart High School, noting that reports of discriminatory behavior came from two schools across three games.

On October 5, Jackson emailed a district official stating the decision was "not about football" but about student safety. He said he would not send Black students and families into a setting where they might face racial abuse unless the allegations were fully investigated with clear accountability. The school publicly announced the forfeit on October 9, citing a lack of available coaches, while players described the move as a protest.

District communications chief Mark Belcher later noted that individual staff emails do not always reflect official positions. Assistant Superintendent Becky Harris told Principal Amy Ripperger to respect Jackson's decision but advised him not to inform his staff or students. Ripperger wrote on October 7 that the school had "zero coaches willing to coach on Friday night," a point the district used in its October 8 public statement.

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has found that Lutheran participants used discriminatory language across multiple events. The state body has threatened suspension if the school does not complete a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke said the school condemns racism and will meet all requirements, while regretting that students missed the chance to compete.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. A coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser to cover security costs and legal action against CHSAA, media outlets, and accusers. The campaign has raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal.

Lutheran plays Montrose on Friday, marking its first game since the controversy began. Jackson, who is not allowed to speak with the media, maintains that the district failed to formally back the school's decision to stay home.