In Wake Of Conestoga Hazing, Other Schools Respond

By KARA SEYMOUR and JUSTIN HEINZE

Although only a short time has passed since allegations of hazing at Conestoga High School have came to light, the incident is already having a palpable effect on nearby districts.

Ahead of the spring sports season, Radnor's superintendent has released a statement reminding students that "harassment will not be tolerated."

Superintendent Michael J. Kelly, in a letter to the school community posted on the district's website, addressed district policies with regards to hazing, bullying and harassment.

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The district's current policy instructs that “no student, coach, sponsor, volunteer or district employee shall plan, direct, encourage, assist or engage in any hazing activity” and calls for district administrators to “investigate promptly all complaints of hazing and administer appropriate discipline to any individual who violates this policy.”

“The school district will not tolerate any acts of bullying occurring on school district property, at school-sponsored activities scheduled on or off school grounds, or during the time students necessarily spend traveling to and from school or school sponsored activities," according to district policy.

Kelly said the district is currently developing a “Coaches’ Handbook” to include key expectations and guidelines.

"As always, it is our goal to maintain a safe environment for all of our students. To this end, any and all forms of harassment will not be tolerated in our schools and on district property. Should any person in our schools or on our property feel threatened or harassed, or believe he or she knows of a person who is being threatened or harassed, please notify a coach, teacher, administrator or another trusted adult immediately," Kelly said.

You can read the full letter here.