Grants Pass High School Coach Accused of Retaliatory Bullying and Public Humiliation in Student’s Damning Complaint

Grants Pass, Oregon – A Grants Pass High School student has filed a hard-hitting formal complaint against Teacher and Coach Matthew Kennedy, exposing what appears to be a disturbing pattern of harassment, retaliation, and clear abuse of authority. This escalating situation has the student feeling increasingly vulnerable and unsafe, sparking urgent questions about accountability in Oregon schools.

The trouble began after the student left the football team on September 12, 2025. In response, Kennedy allegedly attempted to bar the student from participating in all other sports—a move that was not based on any official rule or regulation but appeared to be a personal enforcement tactic. The student challenged this unauthorized punishment by bringing it to Athletic Director Robert Lingo, who sided with the student and allowed participation in other sports, such as wrestling.

On September 22, 2025, around 5:15 PM, Kennedy allegedly confronted the student in a hallway near the mat room, insisting they remove clothing with football team markings—solely because the student was no longer on the team. The student, who was at wrestling practice and had their back turned at a water fountain, described the incident as an unprovoked and intimidating overreach.

Athletic Director Robert Lingo revealed that Kennedy characterized the demand as “deeply personal,” admitted it was wrong, but claimed he “couldn’t help himself.” Yet, the alleged misconduct didn’t end there. In a stunning third incident, after discovering he’d been reported again, Kennedy entered the student’s classroom—despite having no reason to be there—and recounted the story aloud to the teacher, speaking loudly enough for the whole class to overhear, inflicting further embarrassment.

The student views these actions as targeted vengeance, possibly driven by Kennedy’s frustration from the failed attempt to impose unauthorized consequences. As a first-year head coach displaying such concerning behavior, this raises serious alarms: What other students might have faced similar treatment without speaking out? Is the district equipped to handle such lapses in oversight?

The complaint pulls no punches, citing blatant violations:

• Oregon educator standards on individual dignity and equitable treatment (OAR 584-020-0010).
• Requirements for respectful human relations and communication (OAR 584-020-0030).
• Ethical breaches meriting TSPC investigation (relevant OAR ethics provisions).
• Grounds for disciplinary action over misconduct (OAR 584-020-0040).
• Grants Pass School District staff handbook calls for professional, caring interactions and civil rights adherence (Title VI, Title IX, ADA, Section 504).
• High school handbook demands for fair and consistent rule enforcement.
• District anti-discrimination policies (Board Policy KL and KL-AR), potentially labeling this as status-based harassment.

The student is calling for immediate action: Confirmation of the complaint, release of hallway camera footage (outside the mat room doors, opposite the locker room), and a prompt in-person meeting with administrators to confront the rising tension and demand resolution. This isn’t just an isolated grievance—it’s a spotlight on the risks of unchecked power in school athletics.

This case demands answers: When will the district step in to protect students and restore trust? It’s a story that could ignite broader scrutiny of educator conduct across the state.

For more details, interviews, or to amplify this issue, contact Sarah Porter at sarahporterOR@gmail.com

About the Complaint: Lodged through official district channels, it pushes for swift intervention to end the cycle and uphold integrity in public education.