School principals that don’t have a hazing and bully policy at their school should get one. Pronto.

 

That’s the word from the state Public Education Department in response to allegations that Las Vegas Robertson High School football players raped and assaulted teammates during a camp over the summer.

 

PED Secretary Veronica Garcia issued a statement stating it is the repsonsibility of New Mexico public school officials to inform students "that all hazing is wrong, dangerous, and will not be tolerated." In a letter sent to local school district superintendents, charter school directors, and all public school principals, Secretary Garcia alerted school officials that the potential danger of hazing, which at this time seems to be limited, had the ability to grow into a more serious problem.

 

Garcia also recommends educators read "National Study of Student Hazing," a paper written by professors Elizabeth Allan, Ph.D. and Mary Madden, Ph.D., both from the University of Maine. This research paper, focused on college campus hazing, contains suggestions to avoid "an initiation process that involves harassment.




"The Public Education Department (PED) reminds you of your responsibility for having policies and student handbooks in place that address school discipline, acceptable behaviors, and consequences when infractions occur," said Secretary Garcia. "I rely on your eyes, ears, and instincts to take the necessary, immediate steps to ensure that all students, whether attending school or participating in school activities, do so in a safe environment."

The Robertson incident has resulted in several of the victims hiring lawyers, several players suspended and most recently, the coaching staff resigning.