After a week filled with legal exchanges, a Lincoln High School administrator informed parents that a district investigation had failed to uncover any proof of homophobic slurs or racist language used by boys basketball coach Heather Seely-Roberts. This allegation, which she has firmly denied, emerged earlier this week within a tort claim filed on behalf of four students at the school. The tort claim, which serves as an announcement of an intent to sue, accused Seely-Roberts of employing homophobic slurs, making racist comments, and retaliating against players who participated in offseason club basketball with another coach and against those whose parents had voiced concerns about her coaching. In response, Seely-Roberts herself filed a tort claim, stating that the original claim was a means for parents to target her after their children did not make the varsity lineup. She also claimed that Portland Public Schools had not done enough to shield her from harassment by the parents.

Update from Lincoln Athletic Director

On Friday night, Lincoln athletic director Matt Wiles sent an email to the parents of basketball players, keeping them informed about the situation. As he himself acknowledged, this is a challenging circumstance with multiple and diverse viewpoints. However, they all agree that supporting the student athletes is of utmost importance, and they aim to provide an environment throughout Lincoln High School that is built on respect and facilitates the growth of students as both athletes and individuals. Wiles further added that the Portland Public Schools investigation into Seely-Roberts did not yield any evidence of homophobic or racially discriminatory behavior. He emphasized that they take reported concerns seriously and, as parents of team members, wanted the parents to be aware that the PPS investigation did not find any such behavior within the LHS basketball program.

Previous PPS Investigation

An earlier investigation by Portland Public Schools into retaliation claims was largely inconclusive. It was noted that the district did find some evidence of retaliation but did not take any disciplinary action. Seely-Roberts holds the dual roles of boys basketball coach at Lincoln and a physical education teacher at the Southwest Portland school. In October, she also submitted a formal complaint to the school district, demanding an investigation into one of the families involved in the tort claim against her.

Coach's Perspective

Heather Seely-Roberts has consistently maintained her innocence throughout this ordeal. She has emphasized that her coaching style is focused on the development and well-being of the students. The accusations against her have been a source of great distress for her, as she believes she has been wrongly targeted. She has called for a fair and thorough investigation to clear her name and restore her reputation.

School District's Stance

Portland Public Schools has been diligent in its investigations, ensuring that all aspects are thoroughly examined. The district has a responsibility to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students. In this case, despite the initial allegations, the investigation did not find evidence to support the claims of homophobic or racially discriminatory behavior. The school district remains committed to upholding these values and ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.