COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.– District 49’s Falcon High School has released in a letter to parents, students, faculty and staff the specifics regarding the “serious misconduct” that caused school officials to suspend the Falcon High School football team.
Read the letter as follows:
“Investigation into FHS Football Program Confirms Hazing, Harassment
“The safety of students, families, and staff on our campuses is non-negotiable. We remain proactive in our partnership with local law enforcement to ensure a safe learning environment for every District 49 learner that honors our cultural compass and strategic priorities.
“Through the course of an investigation with FHS and district administrators in collaboration with our law enforcement partners at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, we have learned that adults, including multiple coaches and multiple parents knew of hazing and harassment activities within the FHS football team that later escalated into the claims that are under investigation by local law enforcement. Those coaches are on leave from District 49, and we are making a full report to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). Sadly, we have also learned that teammates from multiple grade levels participated, observed, and recorded the hazing and harassment. We are also saddened by reports of threats and harassment directed against the students who made the initial report.
“This issue has affected students program-wide and even extended into the larger community, which is why our response must be strong and decisive. Coaches, parents, and students have told us they did not report what they knew because it might negatively affect their playing status or the team’s season. That is unacceptable. The silence created the conditions that prolonged the harassment and hazing of smaller and younger students. We consider this misconduct to be a violation of our cultural compass as well as CHSAA standards and our district code of conduct.
“We commend the courage and care shown by the students who did report, and the caring response from adults who immediately launched an investigation. Administrators will determine the appropriate next steps for the students involved, who are subject to both school and law enforcement consequences.
‘While we reestablish team leadership (both coach and player) and verify protocols to ensure safety for every athlete in every setting, FHS Football will forfeit all contests scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 24-25. FHS and district administrators will determine the best path forward for the program, with the goal of resuming the season under new leadership.
“We thank our law enforcement partners and encourage all of our students and families to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. We thank you for your trust, understanding, and support in this matter.
“Sincerely,
“Darryl E. Bonds,
“Principal, Falcon High School”
FOX21 News will be staying with this story as it progresses.
