MONUMENT, Colo. (KRDO) -- For the first time since being put on probation following allegations of racism towards members of two southern Colorado high schools, the Lutheran High School football team played in southern Colorado, with a showdown against Palmer Ridge.
RELATED COVERAGE: Sand Creek High School students allege racism from Lutheran High School students
After the allegations of racism were leveled against the school by Sand Creek and Rampart High School, both Air Academy High School and Coronado High School refused to play against Lutheran, choosing instead to forfeit their games.
RELATED COVERAGE: Coronado High School forfeits football game against Lutheran High School amidst racism allegations
Parents at Lutheran high school have formed a coalition called Coloradans for Student Fairness. The organization says it stands for "truth, due process, fair treatment, and individual accountability."
Parents involved in that organization say over the last month the school has been subjected to threats of violence after the racism allegations picked up statewide attention.
RELATED COVERAGE: CHSAA places Lutheran High School on probation, potential suspension after racism allegations first reported by KRDO13
"It's been like a prairie fire," said Ellen Ragusa, a grandparent of a Lutheran High School student.
"Frankly, our students have been scared," said Lutheran High School student parent Paige Briski. "There have been threats and harassment, and our entire community has been broadly brushed as racist."
Briski says the last month has been difficult, with escalating threats made against the school on social media.
"We've had threats of our school being shot up," Briski said. "We've had threats at sporting events against our students. We've had an administration that's been doxed."
Since KRDO13 first reported the allegations made by Sand Creek, a parent from the school has recanted the statement saying a cheerleader was told to "Go back to her slave-ship."
However, CHSAA says it conducted a comprehensive review and placed Lutheran on probation after it determined "Racist and discriminatory language and unacceptable behavior occurred at Lutheran athletic events."
Some Lutheran parents say the decision unjustly punishes the entire school.
RELATED COVERAGE: Lutheran HS responds to CHSAA's probation of athletic department that cited 'racist language' after KRDO13 reports
"Our first thought was: Did they just ask people, 'Does anybody have anything awful to say about Lutheran?' And then they just collected from anybody who may not have been a fan," Ragusa said.
"Even if they were true, it's alleged of maybe one or two students," said Lutheran parent Ryan Burt. "According to the Geneva Convention, you can't collectively punish a whole group of people for the acts of a few."
"If a couple of them made poor, offensive remarks, then that needs to be addressed," Briski said.
KRDO13 reached out to the Parker Police Department about the alleged social media threats against Lutheran. The department responded with the following statement:
"The Parker Police Department is aware of the social media threats involving Lutheran High School. We have received multiple reports regarding these threats from concerned community members and school staff."
The police department says reports can be filed here.
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The post Lutheran HS parents speak to KRDO13 for first time since athletic department placed on probation after racism allegations appeared first on KRDO.
