The fallout of racist allegations levied against Lutheran High School (CO) has now led to another high school forfeiting its upcoming football game against the school.
On Monday, Oct. 12, KRDO reported that District 11 had made the decision to forfeit Coronado's upcoming game against Lutheran.
Last week, Air Academy (CO) had its homecoming game scheduled against Lutheran but opted to forfeit the game. Air Academy's homecoming festivities still went on, and a flag football game was played rather than the original 11-man game.
The decisions made by Air Academy and District 11 were made after Lutheran was involved in two separate incidents where allegations of racist remarks were made in games against Sand Creek (CO) and Rampart (CO).
"After several
weeks of careful consideration and consultation with our community, School District 11 has decided that Coronado High School will not play its scheduled football game against Lutheran High School on Thursday evening," District 11 said in a statement. "Our athletic programs should reflect respect, dignity, and a commitment to equal and fair play. Allegations of racism have been raised in connection with Lutheran’s football program. Those remain allegations, and D11 is not making a determination about them.
"D11 asked both Lutheran High School and CHSAA for a strong, unequivocal statement denouncing racism. Neither organization has provided the district with the statement requested. In the absence of the requested statements, we do not believe proceeding with Thursday’s game is consistent with those expectations."
In a statement to KRBO, Lutheran High School Executive Director Dan Gehrke said that the school was disappointed to learn of Coronado's decision but also condemned racism. He also noted that the school was looking into the allegations of student misconduct and any findings would lead to disciplinary action.
According to Gehrke, leaders from both schools met on Friday and submitted a collaborative plan by Saturday. The decision to forfeit came without prior notice.
"Lutheran High School condemns racism in any form," Gehrke told KRBO. "Racist language or behavior directed at any person violates our values and will not be tolerated."
USA TODAY Sports has reached out to Lutheran High School but has not received comment as of this writing.
The Colorado High School Athletic Association sent the following statement regarding the decision:
"As of this moment, CHSAA has not received notification from Coronado High School or District 11 regarding Thursday's game. Our most recent conversation with Coronado did not indicate an intent to forfeit, and we learned of the district's decision through its statement to the media.
"Over the past week, CHSAA staff has had multiple direct conversations with Coronado and District 11 administrators, including a video meeting last Friday with both school and district personnel. Following that meeting, CHSAA shared two statements directly with Coronado and District 11 administration before they were sent to our full membership. The only response we received was a thank-you, with appreciation "for working with us through this situation." At no point did the district reach back out regarding those statements. There were no other attempts at communication, and the district did not ask the CHSAA office for anything further.
Building more inclusive and positive environments at our events depends on direct, professional and ongoing work between CHSAA and our member schools. Exchanging messages through the media does not move that work forward, and it is not how we have communicated or intend to communicate with our member schools. As always, our door remains open to District 11.
Let there be no question about where CHSAA stands, and will continue to stand. As our core values state, and as we have consistently stated, we hold ourselves and our membership accountable for creating an environment free from racism and discrimination. CHSAA denounces racism and discrimination in all forms. They have no place in the world, and especially not in our schools, at our events, or in education-based activities. That position does not depend on the outcome of any review.
This work is about more than any single incident, and more than any single statement. It requires ongoing partnership with every member school, including those in District 11, so that every student, coach and fan is safe and respected at every event."
With the forfeit, Coronado will drop to 4-4 on the year and end a two-game winning streak. The Cougars' next game is scheduled for Oct. 23 at Durango (CO).
Lutheran has two remaining games on its schedule. The Lions next game is scheduled for Oct. 23 at home against Montrose (CO).
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Second Colorado high school football team forfeits amid Lutheran racism allegations
