A high school basketball coach in Colorado has been suspended following an antisemitic incident during a game between Lotus School for Excellence and Denver Academy of Torah (DAT) on January 22. Parents and community members have expressed outrage over what they say was a clear display of antisemitism and unsportsmanlike behavior, prompting calls for further disciplinary action.
During the game at Lotus School for Excellence in Aurora, the school’s basketball coach, known as “Coach O,” allegedly hung a Palestinian flag near the court and refused to shake hands with DAT’s coach after the game. Witnesses say the coach’s actions were politically motivated and intentionally directed at Jewish students and staff from DAT.
Immediate Backlash and Investigation
Parents from DAT quickly raised concerns, describing the incident as both inappropriate and deeply offensive. Some also claimed that members of the Lotus basketball team refused to engage with their opponents in the traditional post-game handshake, though surveillance footage later confirmed that players from both teams did shake hands.
Brandon Rattiner of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Colorado condemned the coach’s actions, calling them a misuse of authority.
“It crosses the line when adults in positions of power use that position to advance a political agenda,” Rattiner said. “To use that opportunity of being proximate to Jews to make a statement about geopolitics across the world is really bad leadership from those coaches.”
Following the game, the Lotus School for Excellence administration launched an internal investigation, speaking with players and reviewing game footage. The school, which insists it does not tolerate antisemitism, acted swiftly to discipline the coach.
“That coach’s single act doesn’t represent what we stand for,” said Ermek Bakyt, Secondary Principal at Lotus. “We haven’t seen any flags being hung in previous games. This was an isolated incident, and we took action immediately.”
Coach O, who is a subcontracted employee rather than a full-time staff member at Lotus, was suspended from his position. However, this has not satisfied all concerned parents, some of whom have called for additional consequences, including a suspension of the entire Lotus basketball team until a full investigation is completed.
Calls for Further Action and Community Response
In a letter addressed to Lotus, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), some parents demanded more accountability and stronger action against antisemitism in school sports.
Despite the controversy, administrators from both schools have since met to discuss the incident and move forward in a productive manner.
“There was a really, really good conversation, a healthy conversation, and they got to a resolution that worked for both schools,” Rattiner stated. “There were open lines of communication and mutual understanding. This was a teaching moment, and instead of just fanning the flames of vitriol and division online, these administrations came together, worked to find a solution that benefited everyone involved.”
As part of its response, Lotus School for Excellence has committed to reviewing its athletic programs and considering additional cultural sensitivity training for students and staff to prevent future incidents.
For many in the Jewish community, however, the incident is a troubling reminder of rising antisemitism in schools and public spaces. Advocates stress the importance of taking strong, decisive action against such behavior to ensure that all students feel safe and respected in educational and athletic environments.