Officials: 3 teens charged in hazing incident at James Madison HS; JV football season suspended
News 12 has been told Saturday’s planned game was forfeited, and the city’s Department of Education confirms the rest of the season is suspended.
More Stories
News 12 has learned three high school students have been arrested and charged in connection to the hazing of a classmate on their junior varsity football team. The rest of James Madison High School’s season is suspended.
The NYPD says two 14-year-olds and one 13-year-old are facing forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment charges after there was a report on file stating the students held down and inappropriately touched a student on Wednesday last week.
Identities are being withheld due to the incident involving minors, police say.
News 12 has been told Saturday’s planned game was forfeited, and the city’s Department of Education confirms the rest of the season is suspended.
“Bullying and harassment, including hazing, have no place in our schools - period. Upon hearing reports of hazing, the school immediately acted. Parents were immediately notified, the school is providing support, and an investigation is ongoing," the DOE spokesperson said in a statement to News 12.
News 12 also called the head coach of the JV football team. He said he had no comment on the situation.
Students and parents reacting to news of the charges Monday told News 12 they were shocked and upset by the incident.
"Bad things can happen anywhere- even at a great school like Madison and I'm glad they took it so seriously and arrested the students responsible because it is traumatic to have to go through something like that, said parent Jessica Feldman.
No information is being released on the names of the victims or suspects, as all involved are underage.
