Updated at 1:12 p.m. Wednesday with details throughout. James Whitfield, principal of Colleyville Heritage High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, was placed on paid administrative leave in late August, a month after a former school board candidate . All students and staff are safe, the school . Gregg Jones and Gary Jacobson sat at Lewis kitchen table, in her upper-middle-class, redbrick home, on a quiet street in Colleyville, and grilled the mother and son for hours, during several interview sessions. He had a Grapevine High School sticker on his car, so he didnt go to Heritage. Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District. He pulled forward into a parking space and waited on his friends, hoping everyone else would ignore him. Aug. 31The Colleyville Heritage High School principal who was put on paid administrative leave after he was placed at the center of a critical race theory debate said he has been given no . The CHHS kids who posted to the Morning News steroids bulletin boards, saying everyone knew this was a problem, that it is still a problem. His resignation won't be official. There were also names. Colleyville is a Yuppie burb, sure, with a median home price of $335,000, but it is affluence packed on top of a former tiny farming community, a fine cloth draped over an old couch. An anonymous parent called the high school and said football players were using steroids, which are illegal to use or possess in Texas without a prescription, and that the school's football coach condoned it. Hes a good kid. But he doesnt like it., When her son talks, she stares at him intently, looking for signs that hes upset or angry. But the moms wouldnt tell the other moms about it, because they want their kid to have an edge. Colleyville Heritage High School 5401 Heritage Avenue Colleyville, TX 76034 P 817-305-4700 F 817-358-4765 THE SECRETARY AT COLLEYVILLE HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL asked Lori Lewis for her sons last name. Welcome to the Colleyville Heritage PTSA Facebook Page intended to keep our parents, teachers, and students current on upcoming events and opportunities CHHS PTA is a noncommercial, nonsectarian, nonpartisan association that does not endorse any candidate or political party. Beal said she was not cooperating. MOM ON A MISSION: Lewis (left) admits that if she had known how her city would turn against her, how her son Bryan (right) would be ostracized, how her actions would be second-guessed by the police, it would have made her think twice. People leave me alone. A black high school principal in Texas said he was told by a district official to remove an anniversary photo from Facebook of himself kissing his white wife so as not to stir up stuff amid complaints from parents, according to reports. That person was reported to the Colleyville police, she said. Colleyville Heritage High School Principal James Whitfield has faced sharp criticism from some parents who are accusing him of teaching critical race theory. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, 18-year-old man, student face charges after gun found in car at Colleyville Heritage High School, What we know after 3 children killed, 2 wounded at Ellis County home, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defers comment on revival of sexual harassment lawsuit. COLLEYVILLE The Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Tarrant County on Tuesday requested a meeting with the civil rights office of the U.S. Department of Education to discuss the ongoing. Compare Colleyville Heritage High School to Other Schools gcisd-k12.org I wish I had the conviction to say, No, Im not going to take it down thats a picture of me and my wife kissing on the beach. In Colleyville, there are four places where kids usually hang out after dark: Whataburger, Taco Bell, Sonic, and Wendys. THEATRE DEPARTMENT. Bryan is used to getting in trouble with his mom. How many of them bought needles for players? Who is available? He says that many of the football players at Colleyville were introduced to steroids by someone from a nearby rival. The tick-tock drama of Bryans story, that compelling personal narrative, the hour-by-hour recounting of his traverse from good kid to drug user, would elevate the series. Lewis made it clear that they could not take her son out of class to talk to him. At Colleyville Heritage High, students rushed to defend James Whitfield, who has been accused of embracing critical race theory and is in danger of being fired. THOSE WERE THE GROUND RULES, never in question, always understood. Why did you stop?Jones and Jacobson, top-notch investigative reporters, had been working on a series of stories about steroid abuse in area high schools. In two sentences, theyd given Bryan away., Patrick arranged the [steroids purchase] with a couple of phone calls, paying $200 to a varsity football player. Lewis told Beal that her son had used steroids, that he obtained them from other kids on the team, that they got them from someone at the nearby Whataburger. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Woman in viral pizza rant now facing ethnic harassment charges, Murdaugh Judge Clifton Newman: From segregated schools to the best we want in our jurists, NYC DOE probing anti-white texts linked to black superintendent, Black children attack, force white kids to say Black Lives Matter at Ohio school: video. Were set to play more disadvantaged and diverse opponents Trinity. Her discovery. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nations institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society. That kid will know who Patrick is. Check to be sure that email from abi@luhsd.net will come through. The driver, the stockiest of the bunch, rapped on Bryans window. McClure said the school began investigating the matter in October. "If they do proceed with firing him, I hope the administration knows that these people aren't going anywhere," fellow student Sunehra Chowdhury said of the students who walked out of class. When no one showed up, she called the owner to ask why. According to state test scores, 55% of students are at least proficient in math and 77% in reading. What did you expect him to say? Feeder schools for Colleyville Heritage High School: Elementary: She said that many other football players were using them, and her son told her that, because many players knew about it, the coaches either knew and didnt care or didnt want to know so they didnt ask how players had made sudden increases in strength and size. Read more about this topic: Colleyville Heritage High School, Athletics Other articles related to "steroid controversy, steroid, steroids": Lewis didnt want to confront Bryan in front of his friends. Colleyville Heritage High School Unclaimed. We need to make sure we're providing a healthy environment for all of them. She couldnt even get her grass cut? In May 2018, Dr. Ryan was named the 2018 Region XI Superintendent of the Year. Devin Bryant, a senior at Covenant Christian Academy in Colleyville, says he was expelled for being gay and "evil." Principal Tommy Jeffrey doubles down on his decision, calls LGBTQ lifestyle non . Clark said Whitfield was encouraging the disruption and destruction of our district because Whitfield, the high school's first Black principal, wrote a letter to the community during the summer of 2020 detailing how hurt he was over the deaths of three Black Americans: George Floyd in Minnesota, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. People know each other. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied journalism and public relations. Not one day has gone by that I havent had to deal with this or talk about it to someone. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Turner: TEA is giving Houston ISD two optionsclose school or be taken over, Two ocelots were photographed crossing a road in rare South Texas sighting, Houston Rockets poised to reap benefits from Eric Gordon trade, Willie Nelson's new album is a lovely tribute to a fellow country legend, Hiker captures 'once-in-a-lifetime' photo of wildlife at Brazos Bend State Park, Why Johnson City in Texas Hill Country is the new, cooler Fredericksburg. Our membership goal is 1 voice for every student! Catherine Marfin, Breaking News Reporter. He was asked to remove photos from Facebook taken on a beach vacation with is wife, that some felt were inappropriate. Hed only used them for a short while at the end of his sophomore year, when he wanted to make the varsity team as a junior. But I didnt want any of this for Bryan, Lewis says. The school became the focus of national attention during a 2005 steroid scandal involving multiple student-athletes. No big deal, Bryan thought. But Colleyville police Detective Hillary Wreay said her department has received no information from the school on the alleged sale or distribution of steroids and has no investigation in progress. Dave Denning, a former Grapevine High School principal, will serve as interim leader of the campus, Ryan said. A petition in support of Whitfield has hundreds of signatures, and he said he's humbled for the support he's received and regrets he held this in for so long. He looked online and immediately saw a photo of him and his wife on the beach -- a photo shot by a professional photographer on their anniversary. Can you hide it? and I asked, Why? The school district has called the photos questionable for an educator, especially a principal or administrator, and they said it has nothing to do with race. Contact info. He came at him againObviously, Bryan says, this kid did not know how to fightand this time Bryans punch knocked him to the ground. Thats how competitive it is.. And during the second special session, lawmakers successfully passed Senate Bill 3, a more restrictive version of the House bill that will replace HB 3979 on Dec. 2. They would cooperate fully with the News reporters, but they wouldnt give anyone up. , Chris Cunningham says hes trying to do something about the problem so it doesnt happen again. August 30, 2021 / 5:42 PM "His diversity efforts have just been amazing," said student Samantha Zelling, who took part in Friday's march and protest. But as Lewis read it, she found something horrible. Whitfield's wife Kerrie said she took the photo to mean a black man with a tattoo on his arm was inappropriate. Lori Lewis carried a pair of her sons jeans into his closet. Her son, a junior at Colleyville Heritage High School, had several such travel bags in his closet, but the others were all pressed flat, unused. He will step down as principal at Colleyville Heritage High School and remain on paid leave until 2023. first accused of teaching critical race theory during a Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District school board meeting. Overall Score 89.05 /100. He marched into his mothers room and paced in front of her. But they would not be more specific. The photos were from an anniversary trip. Its pretty simple. 12. They shouldnt be filing stupid lawsuits. . Ranking weighted 4.0 GPA* (includes only Core, LOTE, and AP courses in GPA calculation), 2. "We don't know what report they're talking about," she said. He hopes he starts, he says. It was at this moment that I knew the attack that we currently endure, was coming., In a statement to KXAS-TV (NBC5), the district said the photos it received contained poses that are questionable for an educator, especially a principal or administrator. ", Grapevine-Colleyville ISD issued the following statement Monday. From the moment I called the school, I didnt want him involved. Enjoy unlimited access to all of our incredible journalism, in print and digital. Whitfield added that he has no regrets over what has transpired over the last couple of months, hes happy that he stood up for what he believed in and he hopes thats what people can learn from his situation. The Grapevine . Good Lord, Lewis thought. Bryan sat across from them, Lewis next to him. He knew where he was: at a party one block over. James Whitfield at his home in Hurst on Sept. 16. Its a stupid lawsuit. Its been a roller coaster for him, she says. She checked the time. The coaches had told him to get bigger and stronger if he wanted to earn a starting position, he said. Nearly a year later, she still believes this. The student came forward only after his mother discovered a bag full of syringes and vials of liquids in his bedroom closet. Not one single day.. Colleyville Heritage High School's new principal, Dr. James Whitfield, is now speaking out saying he wishes he could've taken more of a stand in 2019 after his photo first stirred up. Rogers said the organization surveyed districts across the state in fall 2002 and asked whether they saw a need for rules on steroids or a program of steroid testing. Lesli Ware. Colleyville Heritage High School Principal James Whitfield opened up in a lengthy Facebook post on July 31 about the incident from 2019 shortly after he had been promoted to the top post at. Going forward, Whitfield believes his work in education isnt done. The district had no additional comments Monday night because it is an ongoing personnel matter, a spokeswoman said in a prepared statement. Dan Patrick has called it a ridiculous leftist narrative. Gov. Bryan may be able to help, but dont contact him at school. She worried he would be labeled a snitch if it became a public ordeal. The curriculum, an academic framework that says racism is a systemic problem perpetuated by government policies and institutions, is not taught in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, multiple sources in the district have said. Even though it was approved by the district, the presentation was used to vilify my colleagues and me, he wrote. Colleyville is a majority-white city with only 1% of residents identifying as Black or African American, according to census data. I guess they dont care.. As the editorial note at the storys end explained, She and her son feared retaliation from other Colleyville athletes, coaches, and parents. Whitfield reached an agreement with Grapevine-Colleyville ISD after being accused of teaching critical race theory at his high school and placed on administrative leave. Lewis asked that Beal call her back when his investigation was finished. Jones and Jacobson, sick that theyd inadvertently revealed Bryans identity, suggested that the papers lawyers could convince the school district to pay for Bryans tuition. She didnt feel proud that shed proven the school wrong. As a new campus principal, we wanted to provide a smooth transition for Dr. Whitfield to Heritage Middle School, which is why we advised him of the concern and made a request for the photos to be taken down from Facebook.". Lewis repeated that shed told him everything she knew. "But if it's not CRT for this group, it will be something else.". Aria has interned at the Austin American-Statesman, the Texas Tribune and the El Paso Times. Ive counted. 5401 Heritage Avenue, Colleyville, TX 76034. The Grapevine-Colleyville district has taken no action against the students and is reviewing school policies to determine whether disciplinary action will be taken, she said. Public school 1,974 Students Grades 9-12. The 18-year-old was arrested on charges of trespassing on school grounds and having a weapon in a place where its prohibited. It was from the Grapevine-Colleyville school district. Lewis begged him to calm down. The parents shes known since Bryan played tee ball with their kids a dozen years ago ignore her. COLLEYVILLE, Texas The embattled principal of Colleyville Heritage High School is expected to learn his employment fate this coming Monday. COLLEYVILLE - Nine Colleyville Heritage High School students involved in football and other athletics have admitted to using steroids, district officials said Friday. Sports means everything to folks here, Bryan says. He said the district wouldn't tell him why. I look at the picture, and I look at the words above it, and it says, Is this the Dr. Whitfield we want leading our schools? I showed it to my wife, who immediately begins to well up with tears, said Whitfield, adding that he took it to mean that he was being criticized for being in an interracial relationship. In a town like Colleyville, you cant tell anyone a secret you want kept. Oh, no. They even went to football games, sat in the stands, and made a list of the players who looked like they might be using steroids, based on the common signs: acne, muscular definition, rage. She asked the druggist to decipher the label for her. Theyre open late, they have cheap food, and theyre close by. Its why she doesnt let me talk to, or even see, her husband and younger daughter. In the ensuing days, Whitfield found himself at the center of the debate over how race is taught in Texas schools. (Cunningham says that at the time of the remarks, he didnt know Lewis identity, and he has since apologized.) # 1,954 in National Rankings. The district told WFAA again Friday that the decision has nothing to. She hurried downstairs and called the pharmacy at the nearby Walgreens. Perhaps it goes without saying but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. He wants to play wide receiver. Colleyville Heritage High School is the 235th largest public high school in Texas and the 1,266th largest nationally. He called a few buddies shortly before midnight and told them to meet him at Whataburger, one of the town hangouts. Tickets for cancelled shows will be honored at these performances. About 20 showed up to the second meeting. No one has provided any evidence that Cunningham knew about the steroid use on his football team, and theres no evidence that Lori Lewis is a crazy mom. How long did you do it? The Tarrant County Narcotics Unit, now working the steroids investigation, told Lewis that her first call should have been to them months ago. Bryan knew who it was. Theres no reason for me to take this photo down,' he told KXAS. "As this is an ongoing personnel matter, we will not comment further. Dr. James Whitfield, the former principal at Colleyville Heritage High School, filed a $250,000 defamation lawsuit against Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District and board member Tammy . Media pundits like Hansen say she should shut up and let it be. I knew it as soon as I finished the story. James Whitfield - Colleyville Heritage High Principal (CBS 11), Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Releases New Statement On Decision To Put Principal James Whitfield On Paid Administrative Leave. I cant run from this. Bryan, afraid that someone inside had called the police, did the same. Dallas Cowboys want another playmaker on offense. Colleyville Heritage, however, is the first school in the state to have multiple students admit to using steroids, said Kim Rogers, spokeswoman for the University Interscholastic League. Lewis decided that she had an obligation to inform the school. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. At least hes not a drug addict, she thought. For Lori Lewis is, if not a pariah in Colleyville, a shamed woman in the eyes of many who believe her campaign has unfairly smeared its high school, coach, and football program. We understand that members of our community have questions, but the District does not resolve personnel matters in the media. If I called your boss and said your kids and their friends are using drugs, my kid says youre looking the other way and not doing anything about it and thats not true, what would you say? I just want to get on with my life. Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond. "I look at the picture, and I look at the words above it, and it says, 'Is this the Dr. Whitfield we want leading our schools?' at 7pm. Dude, I think thats your mom.. Colleyville Heritage High School 5401 Heritage Avenue Colleyville, TX 76034 P 817-305-4700 F 817-358-4765 Like Our Page on Facebook Follow us on Twitter We just have to lay low, she said. Kids had easy access to steroids, athletes were using them, and high school administrators were in denial. I am the first African American to assume the role of principal at my current school in its 25-year history, and I am keenly aware of how much fear this strikes in the hearts of a small minority who would much rather things go back to the way they used to be.". The school district told KXAS in a statement: When a social media concern is brought to the attention of the district, we have a responsibility to review it. Only 22,000 people live in Colleyville. In a July 31 post on his personal Facebook page, Whitfield responded: "I am not the CRT (Critical Race Theory) Boogeyman. Colleyville Heritage High School Principal James Whitfield has faced sharp criticism from some parents who are accusing him of teaching critical race theory. Whatever. But that one sentence stuck with Lewis. They werent too happy with me, she says. COLLEYVILLE - Nine Colleyville Heritage High School students involved in football and other athletics have admitted to using steroids, district officials said Friday. She was sad that shed been proven right. And when he went to his truck after school, there was a sheet of notebook paper under his windshield wiper with one word scrawled across it: SNITCH.. Whitfield's status with Colleyville Heritage High School is expected to be decided at a Monday school board meeting. Example video title will go here for this video. Im going to fight him.. But no names were used. 5401 Heritage Avenue, Colleyville, TX 76034 . She was still at her sales conference. "We're talking about a very short period, weeks," district spokeswoman Robin McClure said. Colleyville Heritage High School 5401 Heritage Avenue Colleyville, TX 76034 P: (817) 305-4700 F: (817) 358-4765 E: chhs.info@gcisd.net Quick Facts Year Opened: 1996 Grades: 9th - 12th Enrollment: 1,984 Mascot: Panthers Principal: Julia Stephen Other Important Information/Procedures Hours First Bell: 8:40 a.m. School Ends: 4:00 p.m. All four got out of the car. But other than that, its great. Wed have to move if our names came out, she said.. by Brian Lopez When Lori Lewis learned that many players on her sons Colleyville Heritage football team were using steroids, she blew the whistle. Not their real names, of course. He told KXAS that he received an email at the time from a school administrator containing an image of himself and his wife, Kerrie, kissing on their anniversary trip. Suite 2100 Faking it wasnt easy. And the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD has adopted an aggressive drug-testing policy, due largely to the hot media glare Lewis helped focus on the school and its tepid (in her view) initial response to her charges. Except for a few friends, he felt ostracized. MLB legend makes surprise appearance at Astros' Spring Training, Houston is ugly, and I've never felt more at home, Texas A&M upset win clears path for UH to snag top overall seed, This is what Houston looks like from space, Oops! A Black North Texas principal has agreed to resign after being put on paid administrative leave in August amid accusations he was teaching and promoting critical race theory. He's a happily married man. The school went on lockdown when the incident was reported. With some of her neighbors not talking to her, she decided to take the next step. No spam, ever. Besides, she said. 817-305-4717. While at UT, Catherine served as managing editor of The Daily Texan, UT's student paper, and interned at the Texas Tribune and Houston Chronicle. "They said, 'Could you take it down? There were four teenagers inside, two in the front seat, two in back. After months of trying, Jones and Jacobson finally interviewed coach Chris Cunningham, who declined to talk to D Magazine through a spokeswoman and through his lawyers. The University Interscholastic League, which sets rules for competition in Texas high school sports, has no policy on steroids. Officers were called around . Its he and his beautiful wife, they have a beautiful family, Sunni Roppollo, who has children at Colleyville Heritage High, told KXAS, adding that there was no reason to censor him.I chalk it up to educators are held to a different standard, unfortunately. She didnt take long to make her decision: Bring it on.. No one could see her talking to school officials. I am the first African American to assume the role of Principal at my current school in its 25-year history, and I am keenly aware of how much fear this strikes in the hearts of a small minority who would much rather things go back to the way they used to be, he wrote. He was just letting her know that he wasnt alone. Whitfield is now speaking out about the incident and responding to what he claims are bigoted and racist attacks, including accusations that he is a proponent of critical race theory. At the first public hearing the school district held to discuss the issue, including spending money for more drug testing, not one parent showed up. It was also about keeping up with bitter enemies from Southlake Carroll, Grapevine, Keller, all the schools on the schedule. By about 6 p.m., all students had been dismissed and all buses had left the campus, according to the school district. I have done nothing wrong by anyone, Whitfield said. The one who could name Bryan. GPA is calculated on a 4.0 weighted GPA scale. Thats it? Brings new meaning to the phrase Sunday Funday. They were identified merely as the athlete and his mother.. On the bus, she read, careful not to catch anyones eye. The Grapevine-Colleyville ISD school board voted unanimously on a proposal Monday not to renew the contract of suspended Heritage High School principal James Whitfield. She knew it would have to be this way. She didnt believe it. Only a worried mom and a kid who felt he owed it to her to fess up, do the right thing, be a man. An 18-year-old man and a juvenile student are facing criminal charges after a handgun was found inside a student's car at Colleyville Heritage High School on Tuesday. Instead, a car slowly inched into the space next to him. GRAPEVINE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - A high school principal at the center of a controversy in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is now on administrative leave. Dec 29, 2022 The 2022-23 UIL high school soccer season officially starts today and the Star Telegram released its first soccer area rankings this week. They had pieced together a clear picture of a serious problem. I dont think that was crazy.. Sitting at her computer in her Mid Cities work cubicle, Lewis felt disheartened as she read the story. But you figure theres a problem at the school, you call the school. Dr. James Whitfield has been promoted several times in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD system. The median household income tops $150,000. A few days later, he dialed the players cell phone to arrange delivery, reaching him in an SAT preparation class.. It has 2,123 students in grades 9th through 12th. Live. And it has nearly ruined their lives. Love will! "They did not feel there was a problem that we needed to look into," Rogers said. GRAPEVINE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Dozens of students and parents rallied outside Grapevine-Colleyville ISD's school board meeting Monday night, August 23, to show support for Colleyville. Some in the district have accused him of implementing critical race theory in the classroom. Officers on the scene have "the individual involved detained.". CHHS PTSA Reflections Chair. She makes mention of that one time someone said or did something to her daughter relating to the steroids backlash, but when I ask about it, she says she wont talk about it. Hes not happy that Im still talking to the media. They had to get everything ready for when they return after the summer, when Bryan plans to go out for the varsity team. Butbefore he could pop open the champagne his boss called and asked him to check his email. She called a reporter at the weekly Colleyville Courier and told him her story. She says she has had to endure the communitys anger despite what should have been ample vindication: the Dallas Morning News, in an ongoing and exhaustive investigative series, has proven that steroids use in North Texas high schools is greater than many want to believe. It was the sort of breakthrough that could take a pointy-headed newspaper treatise and make it touch people, win awards, effect change. Summarizing his defense, he finally blurted, Mom, the majority of the football team is taking them.. Critical race theory, or CRT, is an academic discipline usually taught at the university level. Hes been up at his schools weight room with other athletes, cleaning the mats, spray-painting the weights, putting the gym junk away. It was supposed to be a celebration for Whitfield, who had just been named principal of Colleyville Heritage Middle School two years ago, and his family. Sitting in her living room, Lewis moans slightly and puts her head down when her son explains what his life is like now: I just want this to be over, Bryan, 17, says. She went to sleep thinking it was the right thing to do. CHHS has several sub-administrators who are given students to oversee based on last name. She has begun to work with Don Hooton, the Plano father whose 17-year-old son committed suicide in July 2003 because of his steroids-induced depression, to raise steroid awareness and stiffen national testing laws.