State Opens Probe of Lincoln High Hoops Fracas

Turmoil within the Lincoln High School boys basketball team became public in December after four players filed a tort claim (a notice of intent to sue) with Portland Public Schools, accusing their coach of retaliation and discrimination.

That coach, Heather Seely-Roberts, is the only woman coaching a 6A boys varsity hoops team in Oregon. She had filed her own tort claim notice with the district in October, alleging PPS failed to protect her from disgruntled parents and discriminated against her based on gender.

Now, the Oregon Department of Education is stepping in, accepting an appeal filed by Greg Davenport, a Lincoln parent, against PPS. Davenport’s claim alleges his son and family have suffered retaliation from PPS administrators and Seely-Roberts.

In a Jan. 27 notice shared with WW, Kay Vasquez, an administrative specialist with ODE, writes that the department will investigate a series of allegations that Seely-Roberts retaliated against a player and his parents. PPS has 30 days to hand relevant materials over to ODE, at which point the department will officially launch its investigation. It’s expected to issue an order within 90 days.

“We urge that PPS and ODE take immediate action,” Davenport wrote in a statement to WW. He added that he hopes the two will “launch a real investigation” into Seely-Roberts.

PPS spokeswoman Sydney Kelly says the district does not comment on legal and personnel matters. Spokesman Peter Rudy says ODE “is committed to ensuring that all children feel welcome and safe in school and are able to learn to their full potential.”

WW could not immediately reach Seely-Roberts’ legal team for comment.