CHSAA said its investigation found racist and discriminatory language and unacceptable behavior at Lutheran athletic events. Most reported incidents involved schools from the Colorado Springs area. The association said the probation took effect immediately and requires Lutheran to develop a corrective action plan covering game management, spectator behavior, staff training and school culture.

Lutheran leaders must present their progress to the CHSAA Board of Directors. If the school does not meet the requirements, CHSAA said it will recommend suspending the school’s membership.

Executive Director Dan Gehrke said Lutheran condemns racism and will complete the required steps. He also said the school was disappointed that CHSAA reached its determination before Lutheran had finished its own review and before the association could consider the school’s findings.

The action follows reports from students and parents at Sand Creek and Rampart high schools who said racial abuse occurred when their football teams visited Lutheran. Air Academy canceled its Homecoming game against Lutheran last week, and District 11 later canceled Coronado’s scheduled game. Both contests were recorded as forfeits. Air Academy officials initially cited a lack of coaching staff to safely field a team; the previous incidents were later identified as a factor in the decision.

District 11 said allegations connected to Lutheran’s football program remain allegations and that the district was not making a determination about them. It said its decision to cancel the Coronado game reflected its commitment to respect and fair play.

The Colorado Springs and Douglas County branches of the NAACP said they welcomed steps by Lutheran and District 49 leaders to address the concerns. They also requested a meeting to learn more about the investigation and the schools’ plans, emphasizing that the response should lead to meaningful change and help prevent future incidents.

Lutheran was set to have a 6-2 overall football record after Thursday, with a 3-1 conference record and second place in the Pikes Peak Western Conference. CHSAA had not announced whether the team would remain eligible for postseason play or how the decision might affect other Lutheran sports programs.

Montrose High School said it intends to travel to Lutheran for a game next Friday after communicating with CHSAA and the Parker school. Montrose Principal Heidi Voehringer said the decision to play should not be read as minimizing the allegations or condoning the conduct described.