MCSD responds to hate speech found in visiting locker room

MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) -- Montrose County School District denied claims that its high school players were responsible for any slurs found Saturday in the visiting football team's locker room.

Mesa Ridge said it found racist and homophobic slurs written in dust before the playoff game. Montrose High ended up defeating Mesa Ridge and advanced to the semifinal round.

MCSD said in a statement it conducted a "comprehensive investigation," including reviewing 24 hours of camera footage covering the locker room entrances. The school district said it only saw players and staff from Mesa Ridge and the Montrose High School athletic director enter that room.

"No Montrose High School football players were in the area," Superintendent Carrie Stephenson said in a statement.

The school district called into question the timing and handling of this incident.

"Mesa Ridge had multiple opportunities to report this issue to Montrose staff, coaches or the athletic director before, during and directly after the game. However, no such report was made. Mesa Ridge notified Montrose High School staff of the discovery of the pictures hours after they had left Montrose," Stephenson said. "... This approach raises questions about the intent and motivations behind the allegations."

Widefield School District 3 - which operates Mesa Ridge in Colorado Springs - said in a statement about the incident that it is "deeply saddened by the negative impact that this unnecessary situation has had on our players, coaches and school community." 

"Our players and coaching staff have worked very hard to get to this point in the season, and they definitely deserve a learning and competitive environment free from hate," Widefield School District 3 said in the statement. "We are very proud of our Mesa Ridge Grizzly football team, and we stand behind them. We will continue to support Mesa Ridge High School as we navigate this incident."

CHSAA also provided a statement saying it "strongly condemns racism" and "hate in any and all forms."

"We understand that part of our responsibility as adult caretakers to a younger generation is to provide modeling and education where it is needed most. We are deeply committed to supporting our schools as they work through unacceptable displays such as this," CHSAA said.

MCSD said the Montrose football team has "consistently exemplified integrity, respect and sportsmanship."

The Montrose County School District said it has upped its investigation to include the Montrose Police Department so they can find who's responsible for the written hate speech.

"We wish our team continued success as they compete for a spot in the state championship and encourage our community to remain steadfast in supporting these outstanding young people," Stephenson said. "Let this be a moment to reaffirm our commitment to fostering environments where respect, character and sportsmanship prevail. Together, we will continue to build stronger communities rooted in understanding and trust."

WesternSlopeNow reached out to Widefield School District 3 for comment and received the following statement:

"We have no comment on anything that diverts attention from what our players and coaches experienced on Saturday. We also look forward to the results of the investigation."