OSAA release findings of investigation after allegations of racial slurs during football game

LA GRANDE – In November 2021 allegations were made of racial slurs during the 4A playoff football game between La Grande and Gladstone.  

As per policy, the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) coordinated an investigation into these allegations, working with a private investigator.

Since that time OSAA, as well as the La Grande School District, have released the findings of that investigation.  Key findings were as follows:  

-Allegations of ongoing racial slurs being make throughout the game were not confirmed

-Allegations of a specific, solitary use of a racial slur were inconclusive.

-Allegations of a game official identifying a Gladstone coach by his ethnicity was confirmed.  It was further confirmed that the game official personally apologized to the coach during the game.  

In the letter issued by OSAA, it was noted that โ€Although the evidence of a racial slur being used was ultimately inconclusive through the thirdโ€ party investigation, the OSAA recognizes that students, coaches, and families were negatively impacted.  The OSAA stands firm with the expectation that all involved in interscholastic activities can do so in an environment that is free from discrimination or harassment.โ€


OSAA release findings of investigation after allegations of racial slurs during football game

LA GRANDE – In November 2021 allegations were made of racial slurs during the 4A playoff football game between La Grande and Gladstone.  

As per policy, the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) coordinated an investigation into these allegations, working with a private investigator.

Since that time OSAA, as well as the La Grande School District, have released the findings of that investigation.  Key findings were as follows:  

-Allegations of ongoing racial slurs being make throughout the game were not confirmed

-Allegations of a specific, solitary use of a racial slur were inconclusive.

-Allegations of a game official identifying a Gladstone coach by his ethnicity was confirmed.  It was further confirmed that the game official personally apologized to the coach during the game.  

In the letter issued by OSAA, it was noted that โ€Although the evidence of a racial slur being used was ultimately inconclusive through the thirdโ€ party investigation, the OSAA recognizes that students, coaches, and families were negatively impacted.  The OSAA stands firm with the expectation that all involved in interscholastic activities can do so in an environment that is free from discrimination or harassment.โ€