Resident accuses Bluffton youth sports of discriminatory treatment; board urges follow-up

At the public-comment portion of the meeting, Leticia Weber addressed the advisory board and described what she called discriminatory practices and "opportunity hoarding" affecting children she volunteered with in Bluffton youth sports. Weber said the issues spanned multiple seasons and included an email response she found dismissive.

"I want to share some concerns I have about discriminatory practices and opportunity hoarding," Weber said, and later recounted sending an email to the program where the reply included a suggestion that "maybe baseball isn't for your, for him," addressing the child. Weber said she was troubled that an internal investigation involved recreation staff and did not feel the process was impartial.

Chair acknowledged Weber's remarks, told her to follow up with Bluffton Youth Sports and emphasized the department's role "to provide recreational opportunities to everyone equally." The chair also said Weber's comments would be placed on the record and encouraged continued contact with the department so staff could look into the concerns.

Weber asked the board to ensure impartial handling and an adequate investigation; staff recommended contacting Bluffton Youth Sports directly as a first step. The board did not take formal action during the meeting but recorded the complaint on the public record and advised next steps for escalation and documentation.