November 12, 2021
(La Grande) - The La Grande School District (LGSD) has been in regular contact with Gladstone School District and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) regarding the alleged racial incidents that may have transpired during last week’s 4A playoff football game against Gladstone. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
The La Grande School District deeply regrets that the Gladstone players, coaching staff, parents, and fans did not have a positive experience competing against La Grande High School and takes the situation very seriously.
The La Grande High School administration has been working with Gladstone High School administrators to review game film, interview athletes from both teams, and fact-find with coaches from both teams. In addition, La Grande High School and OSAA have been communicating with game officials and members of the chain crew to get their official
statements on what took place.
“It is extremely concerning that our athletes have been accused of using racist language during the playoff game and our school district will continue to look into this situation,” stated Superintendent George Mendoza. “The impact of racially charged language creates a great deal of strain in relationships and impacts a person’s sense of safety and belonging. Our
goal and intention is to ensure every student-athlete feels safe, valued, understood, and protected.”
La Grande High School athletics and activities have a strong track record of good sportsmanship and ethical behavior, and have been the recipients of multiple awards and recognitions by OSAA for a variety of teams and activity groups. The La Grande School District actively teaches, models and reinforces appropriate behavior by our student-athletes as
they represent LHS in all sports and activities, and will continue to do so.
LGSD will continue to work with Gladstone School District and OSAA on this matter. Our mutually aligned goal is to ensure La Grande and Gladstone student-athletes and stakeholders have positive experiences with each other.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Superintendent Mendoza at George.Mendoza@lagrandesd.org.
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