This has been a trying six weeks for our students, parents, and staff, as we have waited for the official results of a law enforcement inquiry into allegations of hazing involving the Philomath High football team. Today’s announcement by District Attorney John Haroldson that authorities have issued misdemeanor criminal citations against six students and one coach will allow us to move forward with our own investigation. We will take appropriate actions toward coaching staff and students where justified and continue the healing process for affected students and their families. First and foremost, the Philomath School District’s School Board and administrators want to reaffirm our commitment to providing a safe and healthy learning and extracurricular environment for our students. We condemn all forms of hazing, harassment, and physical, mental, or emotional abuse. “Our first priority at all times is the safety of our students,” said Superintendent Melissa Goff. “We take hazing and bullying issues very seriously, and we have no tolerance whatsoever for the type of allegations raised in this investigation.” District staff will continue to fully cooperate with the law enforcement investigation. To date, the district has postponed its football season, and district officials are continuing to assess if, or when, the varsity team will begin competing. “Right now we must focus on our young people affected by this incident,” said Board Chairman Tom Klipfel. As previously announced, members of the football coaching staff have been on paid administrative leave since July, pending the law enforcement investigation and our own internal review. Law enforcement requested, and we agreed, that we not begin an internal inquiry until their investigation concluded. Philomath schools have taken a number of steps over the past several weeks to support students, among them: * Providing potentially affected student athletes and adults with contact information for mental-health providers. * Conducting mandatory trainings on district policies and expectations regarding the signs of abuse and prevention of bullying, harassment, and hazing with every high school and middle school coach and advisor. Looking ahead, we have arranged for Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training to be conducted by ABC House for all staff members during the month of September. We have also reached out to our community partners to join us as we support our students, families, and staff during this time. Philomath is a loving and tightly knit community. We are counting on your support, and your prayers, as we continue work through recovery with our students, our parents and staff members. The safe education of our students is our highest priority. Because of student privacy laws, personnel laws and other legal restrictions, the district cannot discuss names or the allegation specifics.
