Palmer Ridge Won't Forfeit: The Lutheran Racism Controversy Takes Another Turn

The controversy surrounding Lutheran High School in Parker — and the racism allegations leveled against it by Colorado Springs-area students — took new shape on Wednesday when Palmer Ridge High School's football coach publicly said his team will not forfeit its upcoming October 30 game. That decision puts Palmer Ridge at odds with two other Colorado Springs schools that already forfeited rather than take the field against Lutheran this season.

Coronado High School, in Colorado Springs School District 11, and Air Academy High School, in Academy District 20, both announced forfeits within the past week. The decisions came after students from Sand Creek High School (District 49) and Rampart High School (D20) alleged that Lutheran players and supporters made racist remarks and gestures during football games on September 24 and October 2.

NAACP, State Lawmaker Respond

The NAACP branches in both Douglas County and Colorado Springs issued a statement this week acknowledging steps Lutheran High School officials had taken to address the allegations. However, both chapters also requested a meeting with Lutheran's administration to get a more direct accounting of what happened and what is being done in response.

State Rep. Regina English, a Colorado Springs Democrat, expressed concern that adults who were present during the alleged incidents had not "intervened appropriately." Her statement echoed concerns raised by school officials who said the allegations, if true, reflect a failure not just of students but of supervision.

Where D11 and CHSAA Stand Now

Colorado Springs School District 11 initially said it had requested a public statement denouncing racism from both Lutheran High School and the Colorado High School Activities Association, and had received no response from either. This week, that changed: KKTV reported that both D11 and CHSAA issued statements condemning racism.

D11 was careful to note, however, that it is not making a formal determination about the specific allegations against Lutheran. "The allegations remain allegations," the district said in its earlier communication.

CHSAA said it had received first-hand accounts from students and others, and is investigating whether the alleged incidents violated its bylaws. No findings have been made public.

Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke maintains the school condemns racism in any form. He said the school's own investigation is ongoing and it will take any disciplinary action the findings warrant.

What's Next

The CHSAA investigation remains open. Palmer Ridge is scheduled to face Lutheran High School on October 30. Parents and students across D11, D20, and D49 will be watching whether that game is played — and what, if anything, CHSAA announces before then. If you have questions about how the investigation affects your student's school or district, contact your school's athletic director or reach out to your district office directly.