Cheer coaches, Lincoln principal clash over discipline policy

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A statement from Lincoln High School cheerleading coach Cher Fuller on Friday said she and fellow coach Tori Cotton resigned over "differences" with an executive decision by their boss, Principal Peyton Chapman..Read statement

“We decided we could not stand by and support (Peyton’s) decision,” Fuller said, adding that she hoped the girls learned to resist “being bullied into a decision” by their superiors.

Principal Chapman told KGW that the coaches resigned because she overruled a decision "that was not theirs to make." The coaches had bumped a varsity cheerleader, Alonza Vance, from the squad for allegedly violating district codes of conduct.

Vance said she felt singled out as the only black cheerleader and was subject to a different standard of treatment than the other girls. Chapman reinstated Vance to the varsity squad while the district investigated the discrimination allegations. More:Lincoln's lonely sideline

The entire varsity cheerleading squad decided to quit along with Cotton and Fuller. The cheer squad attended Friday night's football game against Roosevelt but sat in the stands.

The Cardinal Cheer Club, part of the athletics boosters organization at Lincoln, has sent multiple e-mails in defense of the cheerleaders and coaches.

A press release, allegedly written by Coach Fuller but sent by Lincoln Booster Club board member Stacia Loe, said that administrative rules had made it too difficult to discipline athletes, and “created an uncontrolled and unsafe environment.” The statement did not address Vance's claims that she was treated differently. The press release cited "privacy concerns" for Vance.

Fuller said they’d been subject to stricter policies since August. Lincoln High coaches have garnered attention for the last year as one after another has resigned over trouble with the law.More:Firings, resignations and arrests

KGW News reporter Scott Burton asked principal Chapman about the ongoing controversies swirling around the school's coaches and if it's affected her ability to lead.

"I'm confident in my leadership here at Lincoln and I feel very supported by my community" responded Peyton. "We're doing great things here and I'm really proud of the kids. This isn't about me tonight this is about the kids." Chapman walked away, refusing to answer any other questions.

The Portland Public School District is investigating the case.

Alonza Vance is the daughter of a KGW employee. 

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