Hazing Probe Halts Football Team Activities At North Smithfield High

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI — An investigation into hazing suspended football team activities at North Smithfield High School until further notice, Superintendent Michael St. Jean said.

In a letter sent to parents, St. Jean said school officials received information about hazing involving student athletes that took place in the 2021-22 school year. The details of the allegations have not been made public, but St. Jean described them as serious.

"These allegations are serious, and that is why we immediately contacted the North Smithfield Police Department, the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, and the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families," St. Jean said in the letter.

"Our number one priority is protecting the safety of our students," St. Jean continued. "That is why given the serious nature of the allegations, ongoing law enforcement investigations, and the possibility that members of the football team violated our anti-hazing policy, all football team practices, workouts and games have been suspended until further notice."

In a second letter to parents, St. Jean said the district will hire an independent firm to investigate the allegations.

"Pending the outcome of those investigations, North Smithfield Public Schools also intends to conduct our own investigation in these hazing allegation," St. Jean said. "We have directed the school district’s attorney to begin the process of engaging the services of an outside, independent firm to conduct a thorough investigation, the results of which will be made public upon completion."

North Smithfield police said anyone with information about the hazing allegations should call Det. Gregory Chito at 401-762-1212, extension 225.