Several black student-athletes and cheerleaders are now speaking out after allegedly experiencing racist harassment at recent football games involving Lutheran High School in Parker, Colorado, with multiple schools now reporting concerns about the conduct of students and spectators. The incident, which took place in an inter-school football game, has since gone viral and fueled a discourse about racism among youth.
The controversy began after a Sept. 24 game between Lutheran and Sand Creek High School. Amar’e Kornick, a black Sand Creek senior and three-year cheerleader, said she and her teammates encountered racist comments shortly after arriving at the stadium.
Because of the stadium layout, visiting cheerleaders had to walk through Lutheran’s student section. Kornick said one student told them they were on the wrong side before calling her teammate Milani “’Hey Harriet Tubman, get back on your slave ship!'” when she responded.
Kornick said the situation became even more disturbing when students allegedly removed their belts and began whipping them around the floor near the cheerleaders. She also said students photographed and recorded the Sand Creek students during the confrontation.
The allegations have since expanded beyond Sand Creek. After Rampart High School played Lutheran on Oct. 2, a parent told KRDO that she and her daughter were allegedly subjected to a racial slur and feared for their safety. Other Rampart parents also alleged that a Lutheran football player directed a racist insult at a Rampart team manager during a subsequent game.
Lutheran High Has Addressed the Situation
After the alleged incident became widespread, Lutheran High School has apologized and launched an investigation, while disputing part of the original allegations. The school said the three students identified in connection with the belt incident were not Lutheran students and that security footage supported their explanation that they were chasing each other with belts.
However, Lutheran Executive Director Dan Gehrke said that if Lutheran students were found to have acted “rude” or “racist,” the behavior would be unacceptable and disciplinary action would follow. The school also stated that racism is contrary to its Christian beliefs. Parker Mayor Joshua Rivero said he was “deeply troubled” by the allegations and stressed that racism and discrimination have no place in the community. The Colorado High School Activities Association is also reviewing the situation.
Online reactions have been sharply divided. One commenter wrote, “It starts at home,” while another said, “Racism is inhumane.” A commenter claiming firsthand knowledge said, “Unfortunately, I believe this,” while another argued that the school should face serious consequences if the allegations are confirmed.
Kornick said the experience was particularly painful because Milani is only 16. “None of us should ever have been put like that,” she said. The investigations remain ongoing, and officials have not determined whether the alleged racist conduct occurred as described.
