More than $53,000 raised by Lutheran parents amid Air Academy forfeit

A coalition of Lutheran High School parents has raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal to fund legal action and increased security. The fundraising effort began after Air Academy High School forfeited its October 9 homecoming football game against Lutheran of Parker, a decision driven by internal concerns over racial safety that the district initially kept private.

Internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act show Air Academy head coach Waymond Jackson told district leaders he would not expose his players to possible "racial abuse" by playing Lutheran. Jackson, a Black man serving as the team's head coach, stated he would not knowingly send students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face such treatment. The emails reveal a divide within Academy District 20 between Jackson and administrators who preferred to keep the matter quiet.

The dispute began with a September 24 game at Lutheran against Sand Creek High School. Several Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks and gestures. These included calling Black cheerleaders "Harriet Tubman," using slurs, and whipping belts toward the group. Jackson also cited reports from Rampart High School staff, who said Lutheran players, parents, and attendees directed slurs at Rampart families. Jackson noted these reports came from two schools across three games and two levels of play.

In an email dated October 5, Jackson wrote that the decision was not "about football. It is about whether our kids are safe." He stated that Air Academy would not play unless the allegations were fully investigated and addressed with real accountability. He also criticized the district's response, calling it a "slap in the face" that Academy District 20 had not backed the decision not to play.

The district initially announced the forfeit on October 8, citing a lack of available coaches. The public statement said "individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation available" and did not mention racism allegations. District communications chief Mark Belcher said individual staff emails do not always reflect district positions and may lack context. However, an email from Assistant Superintendent Becky Harris indicated that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson's decision but directed him not to tell his staff or students.

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language and behaviors across multiple football and basketball events. The association has threatened suspension unless the school completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke said the school condemns racism and will meet every CHSAA requirement. He noted that Lutheran had offered a spectator plan and a head coaches' meeting but regretted that students lost the chance to compete.

Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran. Players at Air Academy later said they backed the forfeit as a protest of the alleged conduct at Lutheran's previous games. Jackson told The Denver Post he is not allowed to speak with the media about the incident.

Lutheran is scheduled to play Montrose on Friday, marking its first game since the controversy emerged. The parent coalition's fundraiser covers costs for security and legal action involving the CHSAA, media outlets, and individuals who accused the school community of racism. As of Thursday, the campaign had exceeded its initial funding target for the first phase of the legal and security efforts.