Judge Dismisses Upper St. Clair Hazing Charges

Noting that they were already being suspended by their school district, Judge Eugene L. Zielmanski on Monday dismissed summary harassment charges against three Upper St. Clair Township boys involved in a school hazing case.


The hazing was an initiation ceremony—read more about it here—that involved incoming Upper St. Clair High School freshmen being spanked with blunt objects by upperclassmen.

The charge that each of the boys faced is defined by state law as: "A person commits the crime of harassment when, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, the person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects the other person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same."

Upper St. Clair School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick O'Toole said on Wednesday that "administration took disciplinary action to enforce district policies" but would not elaborate.

According to the district website, "The administration will investigate all complaints of hazing and will administer appropriate discipline when violations occur. The consequences include an out-of-order, detention and/or suspension, possible recommendation for expulsion, and/or possible criminal prosecution."

An expulsion would require action by the Upper St. Clair School Board.

Videos shared with Patch in July show boys being struck on the naked buttocks with a long and wide stick. The victims appear to be in pain, with one of them letting out a loud grunt after being struck a second time. A small crowd of boys can be heard on the videos laughing after the paddling.

Also shared were multiple photos of injuries to boys' buttocks. The photos show numerous bruises, redness and welts.