Just to keep you up to date on Crystal Lake High School District’s public response to the wrestling team hazing reported this morning, here is the latest statement.
STATEMENT REGARDING ALLEGED HAZING AND INTIMIDATION AT PRAIRIE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
School and Crystal Lake Police Department Investigations Continues
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill., February 4, 2010 — Prairie Ridge High School administration recently received an anonymous tip regarding allegations of hazing and intimidation by members of the wrestling team.
To protect student safety, administration and coaches took direct action to ensure that any such conduct immediately ceased and also ensured that those affected had access to appropriate support mechanisms.
The school administration began a thorough investigation of these allegations which is still continuing.
The Crystal Lake Police Department is conducting an independent investigation and the school district is fully cooperating in the inquiry.
District 155 is committed to the safety of all of our students, whether in the classroom or in any extracurricular activity. The district has and will take proper disciplinary and other corrective action as appropriate to the facts and as provided for in Board of Education Policy and procedure.
As a matter of both federal and state law, and recognizing the privacy rights of all involved, the district cannot and will not comment on individual student disciplinary matters. The district can state, however, that intimidation and hazing are not tolerated. This situation has provided an opportunity to review our policies and practices in a manner that assures our students are able to participate in athletics in a climate that is positive and safe. We are committed absolutely to providing the students of this school district with a learning environment free from intimidation or hazing whether during the regular school day or at any extracurricular activity.
About Community High School District 155:
Community High School District 155 is comprised of four high schools including Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, and Prairie Ridge, and an alternative education center, Haber Oaks. The district serves more than 7,000 students from several cities including Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, and Prairie Grove. Nearly 90% of its class of 2009 continued their education beyond high school. For each of the past six years, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has recognized District 155 with its highest financial rating.
District 155’s Mission:
For each student, we will inspire a love for learning, empower the pursuit of personal aspirations, and nurture a desire to contribute to the world.
For more information: www.d155.org
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Also of possible interest, the Crystal Lake Police Department’s press release on its investigation.