Lutheran Parent Group Raises $53,000 in Response to Air Academy Forfeit

A coalition of Lutheran High School of Parker parents has raised more than $53,000 toward a $500,000 goal to fund security measures and legal action following a high-profile forfeit. The funds are intended to cover costs related to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), media interactions, and legal proceedings involving individuals who accused the school community of racism. The campaign was launched after the school lost its Oct. 9 homecoming game to Air Academy High School.

The forfeit was officially announced by the school on Oct. 8, citing a lack of available coaching staff. The district stated that individual decisions affected the level of coaching participation. However, internal emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act show that head football coach Waymond Jackson refused to play due to concerns over potential racial abuse. Jackson, a Black man, told district leaders on Oct. 5 that his decision was not about football but about the safety of the players. He argued that Air Academy would not send students, managers, and families into a setting where they might face racial mistreatment unless the allegations were fully investigated.

The dispute originated after a Sept. 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members made racist remarks, called Black cheerleaders "Harriet Tubman," and used slurs. They also described physical gestures, including whipping belts toward the team. Jackson cited similar reports from Rampart High School staff, who said Lutheran players and attendees directed slurs at Rampart families. The coach noted that the reports came from two schools, across three games, and two levels of play.

District administration and coaching staff appeared divided on how to handle the situation. On Oct. 5, Air Academy flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent that the district would not back the school if it declined to play. Becky Harris, the district's assistant superintendent for learning services, sent an email stating that Principal Amy Ripperger respected Jackson's decision but directed him not to inform his staff or students. On Oct. 7, Ripperger wrote that no coaches were willing to coach on Friday night, confirming the staffing shortage used in the public announcement.

District communications chief Mark Belcher stated that individual staff emails do not always reflect official district positions and may lack context. The district had worked with both schools to hold the game, limiting visiting fans to families of Lutheran players and adding security. Jackson, who is not allowed to speak with the media, criticized the district's response in an Oct. 5 email, calling it a "slap in the face" for not backing the decision not to play. He asked the district to formally support the decision and share it with Lutheran and the CHSAA.

The CHSAA has found that Lutheran spectators and participants used discriminatory language and behaviors across multiple football and basketball events. The governing body 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 the school had offered a spectator plan and a meeting with head coaches, and expressed regret that students lost the chance to compete. Coronado High School also forfeited its game against Lutheran.

Lutheran plays Montrose on Friday, its first game since the controversy emerged. The parent coalition's fundraising effort continues to grow, with the current total exceeding the initial $50,000 threshold. The funds will be allocated specifically for security improvements and legal representation as the school navigates the corrective action process mandated by the CHSAA.