Emails obtained by ABC affiliate WSYX in Columbus, Ohio, through a public records request show some Olentangy Local School District administrators knew about hazing allegations involving the Orange High School varsity girls' soccer team, including disturbing details, at least one week before multiple coaches were placed on paid administrative leave.
Parents close to the situation said district leaders knew about the allegations at least two weeks prior. In the latest release of documents, there are emails between several district leaders and coaches and emails sent to them by parents and community members, Isabelle Hanson of WSYX reported.
One email is from a parent to the Orange athletics director, principal and assistant director of student and staff experience. It was sent Sept. 25.
The parent detailed what they were aware of happened to their daughter and wrote, "After seeing videos of that night surface last week, I witnessed her zip-tied at the wrists, wrapped in plastic in a manner that held her arms against her body, had a diaper placed on her head and another placed over her clothing on her bottom, was asked questions of a sexual nature, and was involved in a simulated sexual act that was recorded [and then sent out to other students]."
Also in the email, the parent questioned district leaders' response to the situation and whether they followed board policies.
The athletic director forwarded that email to Allie Sieradski, the Orange varsity head girls' soccer coach.
Another email was sent to Sieradski from a parent on Oct. 2. The parent wrote, "need you to do a better job of protecting my daughter. You are closer to them in this than anyone yet you have remained completely silent."
In the same email, the parent wrote, "[anonymous name] was putting four hot dogs in her mouth and pulling her head back with her arms tied and pouring red wine vinegar over her face and waterboarding her."
There is not a response from Sieradski to the parent in the records received.
Documents obtained by WSYX also include responses from Olentangy Schools parents submitted through a feedback platform. Some building and district leaders have access to the responses. There were 37 responses related to the hazing allegations between Aug. 1 and Oct, 25.
They included the following feedback, according to WSYX:
"I am concerned about the safety of the students."
"It doesn't sound like appropriate discipline has taken place."
"You dishonor your own legacy and betray the values you espoused to the community."
"Most leadership in the district and schools should be removed."
"Our kids deserve a safe environment for all students, and your AD and coaches haven't set that standard."
"Students were told if they were heard talking about this incident that they would be sent to the principal's office."
"The sports culture is toxic."
Multiple parents also expressed concern about the victims' mental health and retaliatory bullying in communications with district leaders, WSYX's Hanson reported.
District leaders said six senior soccer players were removed from the team Oct. 2. Coaches Allie Sieradski, Payton Kaufman, Samantha Vaughn and Steven Goebel were placed on paid administrative leave.
