By 1808Delaware
Olentangy Local Schools has placed the Olentangy Orange High School girls soccer coaching staff on administrative leave while the district conducts a broader review of an alleged hazing incident involving members of the team. The district disclosed the action Friday evening in a community message posted to ParentSquare at 5:15 PM on October 2.
In a statement from the superintendent and Board of Education leaders, the district described the reported conduct as “deeply concerning” and said hazing, harassment, intimidation, retaliation and bullying have no place in Olentangy Schools.
Concern First Surfaced In September
According to the district, administrators first learned of the matter on September 16, when a district teacher reported hearing a rumor about alleged hazing that had occurred during the summer and involved members of the Orange girls soccer team. The district said the matter had not previously been reported by a parent, student or anyone involved with the soccer program.
Olentangy said it immediately notified law enforcement and began its own investigation. According to Friday’s statement, law enforcement ultimately determined that criminal charges would not be filed. The district also said it disciplined students who were involved.
New Information Prompts Broader Review
The matter did not end with those initial investigations. Olentangy said additional information about what allegedly occurred during the summer was subsequently provided to the district. That information prompted what officials described as a “further, comprehensive review” of the circumstances.
The coaching staff has now been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of that review. The district did not identify individual coaches or students in Friday’s statement, nor did it provide details about the alleged hazing activity. However, district officials said the students’ activity was apparently planned in advance by players and took place in the driveway of a district parent’s home.
Officials expressed concern that no one involved, or anyone aware of what occurred, reported it at the time.
District Points To Hazing Policy
The district specifically cited Board Policy 5516, its student hazing policy. That policy prohibits students from planning, encouraging or participating in hazing and also prohibits administrators, employees and others from encouraging, permitting, authorizing or tolerating such conduct.
“The Board and administration expect strict compliance with all policies,” district leaders said, emphasizing policies intended to protect students’ physical and mental well-being.
The statement also urged students, parents and others who witness or experience hazing, bullying or harassment to report it to school leadership or through Olentangy’s Stay Safe, Speak Up system, which allows anonymous reports.
“We recognize the concern this matter has caused within our school community,” the district said. “We are committed to holding ourselves accountable to the school district community and the high standards and expectations of Olentangy Schools.”
The district did not provide a timetable Friday evening for completing the additional review or say when the coaching staff could return.
