Hazing Allegations Prompt Cancelation Of Cheltenham HS Football Season

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — An initial investigation uncovering allegations of widespread hazing in its high school football program has forced the Cheltenham School District to cancel the rest of the season.

In an email sent to the school community this week, Schools Superintendent Brian W. Scriven said the district is canceling the duration of the Cheltenham High School football season due to "the need to continue and deepen our investigation" as more allegations surface.

Scriven provided new details about the hazing allegations, which prompted him to cancel the high school football game on Friday and temporarily suspend the season.

He said school officials launched an investigation this weekend led by an external consultant, which will continue into the upcoming weeks. School officials are also working with the Cheltenham Township Police Department and Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

"We are coordinating closely with law enforcement officials as we continue our investigation," the school district said in a statement to Patch on Wednesday. "We must prioritize student safety and well-being, and we ask for patience and respect for our students and school community while we work through this investigation as diligently and as quickly as possible."

The superintendent said the hazing allegations came to light about three weeks ago when the school district received an allegation that a student was assaulted in the football team’s locker room.

He said the school district immediately reported the information to ChildLine (school districts are required to report allegations of child abuse to the state reporting system), and informed Cheltenham Police.

Cheltenham Police then began its own investigation, uncovering that hazing and/or inappropriate physical conduct was happening more broadly in the program.

Scriven said on Friday that he received reports indicating multiple team members engaged in hazing through physical contact. He said that information prompted his decision about the program.

"We do not condone or tolerate hazing or abuse of any kind in our sports programs or in our schools. It is our duty and obligation to protect and prioritize student safety and well-being, even when we know that our decisions may come with consequences and disappointment," he said. "Hazing is a very serious and significant issue in school athletic programs and can lead to criminal charges. We ask for continued patience and respect for our obligation to thoroughly investigate these allegations. We also ask that our school community not rush to judgement against any of our student-athletes or coaches."

Anyone with information about the hazing allegations should contact the Chelteham Township Police Department.

"We fully understand this decision will bring a range of emotions and opinions. We are very sensitive to the emotions of those most directly impacted, including our football players and their families, and the students and families participating in our high school pep band, colorguard, drumline, and cheerleading programs," the superintendent said.

On Monday, the school’s counselors, psychologists, and district social workers were available to
provide support to students and staff.

The district will also determine ways to recreate “Senior Night” for the uninvolved football players and cheerleading, pep band, color guard, and drumline members who did not participatein that important tradition due to the cancellation of Friday’s game.