The Fallout at Saguaro High School: Football Players Sue District Over Principal’s Email
As the 2024 high school football season approaches, a dark cloud looms over Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Six players are suing the Scottsdale Unified School District, claiming retaliation for wanting to transfer schools.
The root of the lawsuit dates back to an email sent by Saguaro’s Principal, Anne Achtzeiger, to the football coaches in December of last year. The email contained racial slurs, specifically the n-word, which shocked and outraged the community.
Achtzeiger defended her use of the word, citing its prevalence among football players near the school’s weight room. However, this explanation did little to assuage the anger felt by the affected students and their families.
Thirteen players sought to transfer schools by filing “hardship appeals” with the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA). While seven players received approval to transfer, six were met with denials, leading to accusations of unjust treatment from the district.
At the heart of the matter is the alleged retaliation orchestrated by Matt Harris, Saguaro’s Athletic Director, who reportedly vowed to oppose any transfer request made by the affected students. This stance further fueled the controversy surrounding the incident.
For these families, the situation has created a sense of injustice and a feeling of being unjustly targeted. They see the AIA appeal process as a daunting trial where their children’s futures hang in the balance.
Recently, the families gathered at the AIA headquarters for their appeal hearings, hoping for a favorable outcome. A decision from the AIA appeals committee is anticipated shortly.
Regardless of the decision, the families continue to push for accountability and justice. They believe that actions speak louder than words and that the principal’s apology falls short of addressing the harm caused.
A Statement from Scottsdale Unified School District
The Scottsdale Unified School District released a statement in response to the lawsuit, denying the allegations and emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity and respect within the school community.
“While we cannot comment on ongoing litigation, we want to acknowledge that in December 2023 on one of our campuses, music with inappropriate and offensive language was overheard, disrupting teaching and learning for a nearby class. The principal sent an email to the football coaches who oversaw the students playing the music in the school weight room and detailed some of the lyrics which included racist and vulgar words. The principal acknowledged that including those words, even in context, may have caused some offense and apologized both in person and in email to those affected by this incident.”
The district affirmed its dedication to creating a safe and supportive educational environment for all students and staff, prioritizing learning without disruption or offense.
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