Coach AJ and Coach Cesar has been instrumental figures in the development and progress of our daughters at San Clemente High School, particularly with the girls wrestling team. They have not only excelled in competitions under their guidance but also exhibited commendable strides in personal growth, confidence, and discipline. Under these Coaches leadership, they have found themselves being part of an elite program that offers opportunities which they may not have had otherwise.

The decision to remove Coach AJ and Coach Cesar from the girls and boys wrestling team is not only disruptive to this successful program, but moreover, sends a discouraging message to the dedicated athletes who have come to flourish under their expert coaching. This unfair dismissal has resulted in a milieu of dismay and disapproval among the team members, reflecting the invaluable role that the coach played in their sporting careers.

Ironically, the decision to terminate Coach AJ's and Coach Cesar's contract was spurred by the bullying tactics of a minority of parents, a situation that is worryingly becoming a culture. Studies have shown that parental bullying in school settings can have detrimental effects on a child's academic performance and overall well-being (Holm, K. et al., 2018, Parents, Power, and Public Participation in Education, Palgrave Macmillan).

We call upon the management of San Clemente High School and the San Juan Capistrano School District to not only acknowledge and act to eradicate parental bullying in their institution but also to reassess and reverse their decision regarding Coach AJ and Coach Cesar. By doing that, the school would be sending a positive and encouraging message to their students that they are centered on prioritizing their needs and welfare, rather than succumbing to pressure exuded by a few misguided parents.

Join us in standing firm with Coach AJ and Coach Cesar, committed coaches and jointly have contributed to our girls' ongoing successes. Through your support, we can help ensure that San Clemente High School and San Juan Capistrano School District  continues to provide an inclusive, successful, and nurturing environment for our daughters. Sign this petition and let your voices be heard!

Please send emails of support for these coaches to :

Christina Giguiere HR District  cjgiguiere@capousd.org

Dr. Brad Baker - SC Principal bwbaker@capousd.org

John Hamro - SC Athletic Director jhamro@capousd.org