Conestoga Responds To Allegations Of Horrid 'No Gay Thursday' Hazing

TREDYFFRIN, PA -- Later in the day after Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan released the findings of an investigation into a brutal hazing incident at Conestoga High School, the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District issued a response.

"We feel strongly that all athletes must be able to participate in team activities in an environment free from hazing," said Richard Gusick, Tredyffrin/Easttown Superintendent of Schools, in a letter to parents and the school community. "In light of the information shared by the police about the football program, we will conduct a thorough school-based investigation."

Three seniors have been charged with assault and other counts after the October 15, 2015 incident.

Hogan said Friday morning that a 14-year-old freshman on the football team, who weighed 160 pounds, refused to participate in the hazing ritual of cleaning the locker room in his underwear. He attempted to leave but was caught by the three upperclassmen, all significantly larger than him.

One of the seniors, who apparently had some measure of authority, then allegedly ordered the others to "stick a broom up his ass."

Two students then held the victim down and stripped off his underwear while the third prodded the broom until it penetrated his anus, the DA said.

No coaches were present in the locker room at the time of the incident.

Hogan said that it was a case of a "shocking" absence of supervision.

"The Head Football Coach has been suspended from all coaching responsibilities, pending the outcome of the school investigation," Gusick said.

Gusick added that Conestoga will begin "enhanced communications" on Monday as the spring season begins, and would have additional measures in place for the football season next fall.

"The process (of the investigation) will be designed to determine whether or not code of conduct violations occurred, the awareness and level of supervision provided by the coaching staff, and what further measures can promote inclusive and respectful behavior," Gusick said.

The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District was named the best school district in American in 2016 by Niche.com.