Cheltenham High School ends football season amid hazing investigation
CHELTENHAM TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Cheltenham High School has ended its football season following allegations of hazing among team members, the school district announced.
According to Cheltenham School District Superintendent Brian Scriven, the district received an allegation three weeks ago that a student had been assaulted in the football team's locker room. The district temporarily suspended the team's season on Friday after receiving an anonymous tip, canceling Senior Night just two hours before kickoff.
RELATED | Hazing allegations prompt suspension of Cheltenham High School football season
Initially, officials believed the incident was isolated. However, Scriven said "additional information came to light indicating that hazing and/or inappropriate physical conduct may be occurring more broadly in the program."
Some parents expressed frustration about how the situation was handled.
"Be a little bit more transparent with the families of these kids. That's your job, to let us know what's going on," said Cheltenham parent Nesha Hodge.
"If our kids are here and there's been an incident of hazing going on, why weren't we notified at that point?" said Chowan Cowans of Elkins Park. "If they're so concerned about our child's safety."
Hodge also questioned the decision to cancel the game before confirming the details of the allegations. "To cancel a game labeling it because of hazing and other things, if it hasn't been confirmed, why would you label the kids like that?" she said.
Cowans added, "The victim of the allegations, I feel for that person also because again they have to go through this now and it's really unfortunate."
The district said it is working with police and the district attorney's office as the investigation continues. Officials are also exploring ways to recreate Senior Night for players who were not involved in the alleged incidents but were affected by the season's cancellation.
The school board has not yet issued a response.
