Students at Lutheran High School Accused of Racist Remarks and Offensive Actions Toward Black Cheerleaders During Football Game

Students at Lutheran High School have been accused of making racist remarks and engaging in offensive actions toward students from Sand Creek High School during a football game last month. The Colorado High School Activities Association and Lutheran High School are investigating these claims, which they describe as “incredibly alarming.”

Four cheerleaders from Sand Creek and their coach reported that Lutheran students and community members used derogatory language, including the term “Harriet Tubman,” made monkey noises, and told them to “go back to where they came from.” The allegations include white students removing their belts and using them as whips in the direction of Black students. Lutheran’s executive director has denied the belt-whipping claim.

Sand Creek cheerleading coach Sanaa Ford described the harassment as severe, stating she had to escort her Black cheerleaders to their cars before the game ended while students made monkey noises at them. Ford expressed disappointment with the school administration, saying she attempted to address the issue with Lutheran’s executive director, Dan Gehrke, during the game. She claimed Gehrke did not take their concerns seriously and refused to speak in a private setting due to the presence of students filming and mocking them.

Ford said she requested camera footage to substantiate their claims but was told there were no cameras present. Gehrke later sent an email to the school community, stating that the boys involved in belt-related activity were not Lutheran students and that security footage supported their claim of mutual chasing and hitting. He did not provide the footage to The Denver Post.

Gehrke acknowledged the need to investigate the racist remarks made toward the cheerleaders and emphasized that any wrongdoing would be addressed. He pledged to apologize, seek forgiveness, and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The school remains committed to accountability and ensuring a safe environment for all students.

When 16-year-old Sand Creek cheerleader Millani Geeter arrived at Lutheran’s football stadium on Sept. 24, she said students shouted that she did not belong there and called her “Harriet Tubman.” At halftime, she and some teammates were subjected to the same racist treatment, highlighting the ongoing nature of the alleged misconduct. The situation underscores the importance of fostering a culture of respect, justice, and care for all individuals, as Micah 6:8 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Source: Read the original report