Joint Statement on Allegations of Racist Conduct at High School Football Games
For Immediate Release
October 9, 2026
Media contact: Angela Stevens
Phone: 719-301-0726
Email: presidentcoloradospringsnaacp@gmail.com
Media contact: Alisa Jodeh
Phone: 720-446-6174
Email: info@naacpdougco.org
On behalf of the Douglas County and Colorado Springs Branches of the NAACP, we are writing to express our serious concern regarding recent allegations of racially offensive conduct involving Lutheran High School in Parker, CO students during football games against Sand Creek High School and Rampart High School in Colorado Springs.
According to recent reporting by KKTV 11 News published October 6, 2026:
A concerned citizen contacted 11 News alleging the incidents occurred during a football game between Sand Creek High School and Lutheran High School on Sept. 24. According to the news tip, students from Lutheran High made racist comments and gestures directed at Sand Creek athletes and other students.
These allegations are troubling and deserve a thorough, transparent, and responsible response.
We recognize and appreciate Lutheran High School’s acknowledgment of the allegations, its ongoing investigation, and the administration’s outreach to the affected schools, including the meeting with District 49 Superintendent Peter Hilts. We also acknowledge the apology extended by Lutheran High School’s executive director. These actions represent important initial steps toward addressing the concerns raised.
However, accountability and reconciliation must go hand in hand. While it is important to determine what occurred and address any confirmed misconduct, it is equally important to create opportunities for understanding, healing, and restoring trust among the students, families, and school communities involved.
As an organization committed to civil rights, educational equity, and the dignity of all people, the NAACP believes incidents involving allegations of racial discrimination should be addressed seriously and with a commitment to meaningful change. Our goal is not simply to identify wrongdoing, but to ensure that lessons are learned, relationships are strengthened, and similar incidents are prevented in the future.
With this in mind, we respectfully request a meeting with Lutheran High School’s administration to better understand the investigation and discuss the school’s approach to accountability, reconciliation, and prevention. We would welcome a conversation about how the school plans to address any confirmed misconduct, support affected students, strengthen expectations for respectful conduct at athletic events, and create meaningful opportunities for education and dialogue. We also want to understand how Lutheran High School intends to work with Sand Creek High School, Rampart High School, and their respective communities to rebuild trust.
We recognize that the investigation remains ongoing and that no official findings or disciplinary actions have been announced. We do not seek to prejudge the outcome or interfere with the school’s investigative process. Instead, we believe open communication and community engagement can help ensure a fair, thoughtful response focused on long-term improvement.
The NAACP believes that young people and adults should be held accountable for their actions while also being provided opportunities to learn, grow, and become better members of their communities. Schools have a unique responsibility to model these values and demonstrate that respect for others extends beyond the classroom to athletic competitions and every school-sponsored activity.
Our approach is grounded in accountability, education, and reconciliation—not confrontation. We believe this situation presents an opportunity for Lutheran High School and the broader community to demonstrate how difficult circumstances can lead to constructive dialogue, greater understanding, and positive change. We also request that the Colorado High School Activities Association consider the scheduled game between Air Academy High School and Lutheran High School be rescheduled or declared a draw. The students should not be penalized for considering their safety.
We look forward to meeting with your administration and working together toward a resolution that respects the dignity of all students, addresses the concerns raised, and reinforces our shared responsibility to create safe and welcoming educational environments.
Sincerely,
Douglas County Branch NAACP
Office of the Branch President
Colorado Springs Branch NAACP
Office of the Branch President