JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS. FAIRNESS FOR OUR STUDENTS. LET THE EL CERRITO GAUCHOS FINISH THEIR SEASON.

A Petition to the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), El Cerrito Police Department, and El Cerrito High School Administration

We, the undersigned parents, families, students, and supporters respectfully ask that the WCCUSD reconsider its decision to suspend the entire El Cerrito High School football program and cancel the remainder of the 2026 football season.

First and foremost, we want to express our sincere apologies and compassion to every student who has experienced bullying, intimidation, or any form of mistreatment. No student should ever have to endure these experiences, especially in an environment that is supposed to provide safety, friendship, mentorship, and personal growth.

To the victims and their families: We hear you. We acknowledge your pain. You deserve to be protected, supported, respected, and treated with dignity. We do not excuse, minimize, or defend any behavior that has caused harm. Those responsible, when established through a fair process, must be held accountable.

However, we also believe that accountability must be individual, not collective. The actions of some students should not automatically determine the future of every student who wears the El Cerrito Gauchos uniform.

There are student athletes who have dedicated countless hours to practices, games, academics, conditioning, and representing their school and community. There are students who may have had absolutely no involvement in the alleged incidents.

These students deserve to have their individual circumstances considered.

WE REQUEST:

1. To El Cerrito Police Dept - FAIRNESS, DUE PROCESS, AND THE PROTECTION OF INNOCENT STUDENTS

We respectfully ask that every student identified in this investigation receive an individualized review of their circumstances and alleged involvement.

Students who are innocent, uninvolved, or wrongfully implicated deserve protection of their rights and reputations. We ask that students be released from custody when there is no lawful basis for continued detention and that no student be criminally charged without sufficient evidence and appropriate legal process.

We recognize that this is an active investigation involving minors, and we respect the need for confidentiality and the protection of all students.

2. To WCCUSD - REINSTATE THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM AND ALLOW UNINVOLVED PLAYERS TO FINISH THE SEASON

We ask the district, school administration, and relevant athletic authorities to reconsider the blanket suspension of the entire football program.

The students who were not involved in the alleged misconduct should not lose the opportunity to complete the season because of the actions of others.

We respectfully request consideration of reinstating eligible, uninvolved players under strict supervision, appropriate safety protocols, and any necessary conditions established by the district and athletic governing bodies.

These young athletes worked hard to earn their opportunity. They deserve the chance to finish what they started and, if eligible, pursue the opportunity to compete for a state championship.

3. To El Cerrito High - ACCOUNTABILITY, HEALING, AND A BETTER FUTURE FOR EL CERRITO HIGH SCHOOL

We support meaningful anti bullying education, stronger supervision, clear reporting procedures, counseling, and resources for every student affected.

We want students to feel safe and families to trust the school environment. And we want student athletes to understand that being part of a team means protecting and respecting one another.

This should be an opportunity for the school community to come together, learn, heal, and establish a stronger culture moving forward.

TO OUR COMMUNITY:

Please do not mistake our request for the football season to continue as a lack of compassion for the victims.

We can apologize to those who were hurt while also advocating for students who may have done nothing wrong.

We can demand accountability without abandoning innocent children.

We can protect victims without destroying opportunities for uninvolved student athletes.

We can recognize the seriousness of these allegations while allowing the legal process to determine individual responsibility.

These are high school students. They are still growing, learning, and developing. Their education, reputations, opportunities, and futures matter.

The El Cerrito Gauchos represent more than a football team. They represent students, families, coaches, school pride, community, and years of hard work.

We are not asking for wrongdoing to be overlooked. We are asking for fairness, compassion, accountability, and an opportunity for students who did nothing wrong to continue representing their school.

We respectfully ask the El Cerrito Police Department and all relevant authorities to listen to the families, students, and community members who are asking for a fair and thoughtful resolution.