Gwinnett schools investigate abuse allegations
A Gwinnett County high school is investigating a parent’s allegations that the girls volleyball coach forcefully grabbed some players by their necks and used inappropriate language toward them.
Parkview High School last week received the complaints from Mindy Culpepper against coach Michelle Bowden. Culpepper said her daughter and another parent told her in addition to the physical contact, Bowden cursed at some players and occasionally called the tallest African-American player on the team “gorilla woman.” Culpepper said the actions took place over the last month during practices.
“That’s just not acceptable,” Culpepper said of the coach’s actions.
Gwinnett school district spokeswoman Sloan Roach confirmed an investigation is underway.
“The principal has met with this parent about her concerns,” Roach said. “In addition, this parent has talked to the district-level athletic director. These two administrators have shared the information they have gathered with the local school athletic director who is investigating this matter.”
Culpepper’s daughter, Aubrey Watkins, 16, a junior left the team earlier this month saying Bowden used profanity toward her during a recent practice.
“That was embarrassing,” Watkins said.
Culpepper said her daughter came home and told her she wanted to quit the team, offering some of the details that are now being investigated. Culpepper said she asked her daughter why she hadn’t come forward with her allegations before.
“We were all scared,” Watkins answered.
Gwinnett school officials last month suspended six Parkview students accused of physically and sexually assaulting four younger teammates at a hotel during a baseball tournament in North Charleston, S.C. No criminal charges have been filed. The family of one of the students who says he was harmed has filed a lawsuit against the hotel where the players stayed.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He currently writes about higher education and has assisted in the newsroom’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
