An anonymous tip has prompted a school district in Wisconsin to launch an investigation into possible hazing among varsity football players.
According to the local Fox affiliate, New Berlin Eisenhower’s principal and athletics directors sent a letter home to parents about the potential incident.
"From what we have heard, they are working on it and handling it internally," said Todd Clark, communications director with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Clark explained that in Wisconsin each school district creates its own code of conduct when it comes to bullying or hazing.
"There is a state statute that prohibits the hazing and bullying. It is state law through the department of public instruction. It is a serious offense," said Clark.
New Berlin authorities said that no victims have come forward.
The following letter was sent home to parents on Sept. 11:
This is a follow-up to our email about the possible hazing taking place among the varsity football team members.
We received an anonymous tip over the weekend that prompted an immediate internal investigation by school administration. Over the last few days, we spoke with several players, coaches and parents. As a result of those interviews, we believe that hazing did occur. We believe, based on the information provided to us, the hazing occurred off school grounds and without knowledge of any of our coaching or school staff.
It is important to note that prior to the start of the season, Activities and Athletics Director Kevin Fitzgerald proactively shared information with the team members - both in person and in writing - about team and school expectations, the co-curricular handbook, and specifically, hazing. It is unfortunate that not everyone took that messaging seriously, and we are shocked and disappointed that this happened.
Please know that the student-athletes who organized, conducted or allowed the hazing to occur are subject to the school, school district, and School Board policies prohibiting hazing and will be held accountable for their actions. The District, however, is prohibited from sharing student information with anyone other than those students’ parents or guardians.
We take these allegations seriously and we will continue to work with the student-athletes and coaches of all our teams, both this fall and throughout the school year, with the expectation that such behavior will not occur in the future.
Sincerely,
Matthew Buckley, Principal
Kevin Fitzgerald, Activities and Athletics Director
