- Target:
- Cynthia Ford-Johnston, Daniel Mayberry, William Larrow, Scott Osborne
- Region:
- United States of America
This past month EKMW coach Howard Hammonds was formally released from his position as head coach under the pretense that his "actions, methods and words have not represented the overall mission" found acceptable by the superintendents of the schools comprising EKMW. In accordance with his release of service, coach Hammonds is "no longer allowed to coach this combined team in any manner or be affiliated with the EKMW track team".
Coach Hammonds was given no definitive cause for termination or prior notice to this release of contract and in this way was never given due process to accost or defend his actions which have yet to be brought to light.
As a member of EKMW I lend my moral integrity towards coach's continued positive influence on his athletes and upon the team as a whole and can give no recollection of any negative incidents which would have brought into jeopardy the overall mission of EKMW.
We, the undersigned, hold Howard Hammonds in great respect and admiration for his years of service and unwavering character. The gravity of his influence and efforts to promote the mission of the EKMW track team internally and within the local community cannot be understated.
It is for these reasons that we call upon the school boards of EKMW to allow coach Hammonds the opportunity to address whatever actions he is being accused of and to be allowed the chance to defend his good character.
Taking disciplinary actions against coach Hammonds without making those actions known to the public or coach Hammonds holds the mission and spirit of EKMW in jeopardy.