Hidden emails reveal coach's stance on racial tension in high school forfeit

Newly released internal correspondence indicates that the head football coach at Air Academy High School prioritized player safety over the sport when he recommended a forfeit for the upcoming homecoming game. The district's public explanation cited a shortage of coaching staff, but private emails suggest the decision was driven by concerns about potential racial harassment at the opponent's venue. These documents were obtained through a public records request and paint a picture of a divided administration.

Waymond Jackson, the head coach and a dean at the school, drafted a memo to district leaders on Oct. 5. He argued that the choice was not merely about the schedule, but about protecting students from a hostile environment. Jackson stated he was unwilling to send Black students, staff, and families to a setting where they might face racial abuse. He proposed that the team should only compete after a thorough investigation resulted in concrete accountability measures and clear steps to prevent future incidents.

The underlying dispute traces back to a Sept. 24 match between Lutheran High School of Parker and Sand Creek High School. Witnesses from Sand Creek, including cheerleaders and their coach, reported that spectators and community members at the Lutheran event made derogatory remarks and gestures. Specific complaints included comparing Black cheerleaders to historical figures, using slurs, and waving belts. Jackson also referenced similar incidents reported by staff at Rampart High School, noting that the behavior was described as foul and disgusting. He emphasized that these reports spanned two schools, multiple games, and different levels of play.

Despite Jackson's detailed rationale, the district appears to have moved to keep the matter low-key. An email from Becky Harris, the assistant superintendent for learning services, indicated that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson's judgment but instructed him not to share the decision with his staff or students. Barry Clark, who coaches flag football at Air Academy, told a parent on Oct. 5 that the district would not support the school if it declined to play. Jackson expressed frustration at this lack of backing, calling it a slap in the face and urging the district to formally communicate its position to Lutheran and the state activities association.

The district issued a public statement on Oct. 8, claiming it had worked with both schools to ensure the game could take place. It noted that visiting fans were limited to family members and that security was added. The statement attributed the forfeit to individual decisions that affected coaching availability. Mark Belcher, the district's communications chief, explained that individual staff emails do not always reflect the official stance and may lack full context. Jackson noted that he is currently restricted from speaking to the media.

State officials are taking the complaints seriously. The Colorado High School Activities Association has determined that discriminatory language and behavior occurred across multiple football and basketball events. The group has threatened to suspend Lutheran unless the school submits a corrective action plan. Dan Gehrke, the executive director at Lutheran, said the school condemns racism and intends to meet all state requirements. He expressed regret that students lost the opportunity to compete, noting that the school had offered a spectator plan and a meeting between head coaches. Coronado High School also forfeited its matchup against Lutheran.

Lutheran is set to play Montrose this Friday, marking its first game since the controversy began. Meanwhile, a coalition of parents has started an online fundraising campaign. The goal is to cover costs for security and legal actions against the state association, media outlets, and individuals who made accusations. The campaign has already raised over $53,000, with a target of $500,000.