Hazing Law Upgrades Supported By Cheltenham School Officials

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — In the wake of hazing charges against 10 people involved with the Cheltenham Township football program, school officials are supporting an expansion of a state law.

Schools Superintendent Brian W. Scriven said the school district supports the recommendation to expand the Child Protective Services law to include hazing as a mandatory reportable offense for school officials.

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Four Cheltenham High School football coaches and six players have been charged in two locker room incidents where multiple players beat a sophomore player in August and September 2025, authorities said.

The school district encourages state officials to consider whether this change goes far enough, since "hazing" requires a finding that the conduct was committed "for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a minor or student into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a minor or student's membership or status in an organization."

School officials said that law —as defined by 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2802(a) — is not always immediately recognizable in reports of student-on-student assaults.

"We look forward to working with our local elected officials — State Sen. Art Haywood and State Rep. Napoleon Nelson — to push for the reforms as advocates for the safety and well-being of students," school officials said.

Four coaches—head coach Terence Tolbert, 55, of Elkins Park; associate head coach Darian "DJ" McFadden, 42, of Roslyn, Pa.; assistant coach Benjamin Johnson III, 45, of Cheltenham; and volunteer coach Ralph Burnley, 60, of Elkins Park — were each charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child and conspiracy.

Two football players were charged: Isaiah Simpson, 18, of Cheltenham, for Conspiracy to Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person and related charges); and Josiah Peeler, 18, of Cheltenham, charged with false swearing.