Denver, Weld want exchange of ideas

In a letter to parents of Denver’s Manual and Weld County’s Weld Central high schools, superintendents and principals said they are working to build an exchange of ideas and perspectives between student leaders of both schools.

The letter follows conflict on and off the field during a football game Friday sparked by reports by Manual eyewitnesses of someone trying to bring a Confederate flag into the game.

Three Manual players were injured in the game, and members of its team, the Thunderbolts, said the opposing Weld Central Rebels taunted them with racial slurs.

After the game, Manual principal Nick Dawkins sent a community letter accusing the Rebels fans of displaying the Confederate flag. Weld Central principal Dan Kennedy and Weld County Superintendent Greg Rabenhorst denied the claims.

“We know there are greatly conflicting accounts as to what occurred Friday night,” the principals, Rabenhorst and Denver Superintendent Tom Boasberg said in the joint letter. “We also know that, despite our best efforts, we may never have a conclusive picture of what happened.”

However, the administrators have learned that the Weld Central team did not display the Confederate flag. “At the same time, multiple Manual eyewitnesses reported seeing spectators who attempted to bring a Confederate flag into the game and clothing with flag images,” the letter said. The schools are forming a student leadership exchange in which student leaders from both will share ideas and perspectives.

“As part of the exchange, our student leaders will have the opportunity to visit each others schools and communities,” the letter said. “At a time in our country when so many are divided, we want our students instead to come together, share ideas and learn together.”