Date: Thu, 23 Feb 1995 17:49:50 -0500 (EST) From: David Casti Subject: ACTION ALERT: Colorado Coach Hi folks, Here you will find complete, up-to-date information on the situation in Colorado, as well as contact information. Time to start cranking out those letters. If anyone comes upon fax numbers for either the district or anyone listed below, please send it to me and I'll see that it is distributed. This incident is especially insidious since it is based only on *allegations* that someone is a lesbian -- there is no evidence that anyone other than the coach engaged in harassement or any other untoward activity at any time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Casti Pager: (800) 980-6227 Information Scientist http://www.casti.com/casti/David.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by: riverama@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU 21 February SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CONTROVERSY AT LONGMONT (COLORADO) HIGH SCHOOL INVOLVING THE SUSPENSION OF THEIR WRESTLING COACH This is the latest information on the situation at Longmont High. This wrestling coach, Dave VanderMolen, was suspended for unspecified personnel matters, and because of complaints filed with the administration by his fellow staff members. VanderMolen claims that female students at Longmont High School approached him, saying they felt uncomfortable in their dressing rooms because the female teachers there had "alternative lifestyles." However, other reports say that VanderMolen has directed a campaign against female physical education teachers that he believes are lesbians, and that he approached some female students to entice them to complain about these teachers. These students reportedly approached school board members, and when directed by those board members back to the school administration, declined to do so with any form of complaint. What they did do, however, is start a petition drive among the students to get these teachers fired. This was also allegedly provoked at VanderMolen's suggestion. The board members who were contacted did pass on some information to the school administration, and an immediate inquiry was initiated. The board has stated that it will make a public statement as to its findings in this matter and any course of action to be pursued. The allegations filed against VanderMolen involve sexual harrassment issues. More information is not publicly available. The school board has made it a strict policy to make no further statements and take no further action in this matter until the results of the investigation are presented to them. This is expected to occur about March 1. While the board is adamant in affirming that any and all student welfare concerns will be investigated and appropriately acted upon, it has also made a statement that it can not act on rumors and unfounded accusations. ******************************************* Since the conservative element has been aware of this situation and made it know among its ranks, a reported 200 plus letters denouncing the school board's suspension of VanderMolen have been received, with more arriving daily. We see this issue as being one that will only be intensified when the investigation is complete, and we are already weeks behind in responding. PLEASE WRITE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND/OR THE SUPERINTENDENT EXPRESSING YOUR APPREHENSION AT THIS SITUATION AND CONGRATULATING THE BOARD ON ITS SOUND DECISION IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY. This witch hunt for lesbian coaches must be shown for what it is: oppression. Please respond by using the following addresses: Roger Driver, Superintendent SVVSD 395 S. Pratt Parkway Longmont, CO 80501 Members of the Saint Vrain Valley School District Board of Education Mr. Martin Block, Vice President 2324 North Shore Dr. Longmont, CO 80503 (303) 651-6654 Milton Etter, Treasurer 4601 Oxford Rd. Longmont, CO 80503 (303)444-2672 Kathy Hall 502 Collyer St. Longmont, CO 80501 (303)776-9613 Sandra Manly, Secretary 1530 24th Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 (303)776-7779 James Martinsen, Asst. Sectretary/Treasurer P.O. Box 586 Niwot, CO 80544 (303)652-2496 Michael Shaw, PRESIDENT 1435 Weld County Road 16 1/2 Longmont, CO 80504 (303)772-1297 John Zadel 9031 Weld County Road 13 Longmont, CO 80504 (303)651-1538