Air Academy Forfeit Exposes Deep Rift Over Safety and Silence

Internal emails obtained this week reveal that Air Academy High School head football coach Waymond Jackson explicitly told district leaders he would not expose his players to potential racial abuse by facing Lutheran High School of Parker. The correspondence, secured through the Colorado Open Records Act, highlights a significant disagreement between the coaching staff and district administrators regarding how to handle the escalating controversy surrounding the two schools.

The public explanation for the forfeited Oct. 9 homecoming game stated that Air Academy lacked sufficient coaching staff. The announcement made no reference to the alleged racial conduct at Lutheran. However, players later indicated they supported the forfeit as a form of protest against the behavior exhibited by students and adults during a previous game. Jackson’s private emails paint a more detailed picture of the decision-making process behind the move.

Jackson, a Black man and dean at the school, argued on Oct. 5 that the decision was fundamentally about safety rather than sports. He stated he would not knowingly send students, managers, and families into an environment where they might face racial hostility unless the allegations were fully investigated with clear accountability. He emphasized that his team would not play without concrete steps to prevent a repeat of the incident.

The dispute originated after a Sept. 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Sand Creek cheerleaders and their coach reported that Lutheran spectators made racist remarks and gestures. These included calling Black cheerleaders Harriet Tubman, using slurs, and whipping belts toward them. Jackson also cited reports from Rampart High School staff, who described similar behavior during games involving Lutheran players and attendees as disgusting and foul.

Despite the complaints, the Academy District 20 administration appeared to prefer a low-profile approach. Assistant Superintendent Becky Harris instructed Principal Amy Ripperger to respect Jackson’s decision but directed him not to inform his staff or students. Ripperger later wrote that the school had no coaches willing to coach on Friday night. Flag football coach Barry Clark told a parent that the district would not support the school if it declined to play. Jackson criticized this stance, calling the district’s lack of formal backing a slap in the face.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has since confirmed that Lutheran participants used discriminatory language at multiple events. The governing body has threatened suspension unless the school completes a corrective action plan. Lutheran executive director Dan Gehrke stated that the school condemns racism and regrets that students missed the chance to compete. Coronado High School also forfeited its matchup against Lutheran during this period.

Lutheran is set to play Montrose on Friday, marking its first game since the controversy began. Meanwhile, a coalition of Lutheran parents has launched an online fundraiser to cover security costs and legal actions. The campaign has raised more than $53,000 toward a goal of $500,000, signaling a long and potentially costly resolution to the dispute.