LONDONDERRY, N.H. (WHDH) - The Londonderry, New Hampshire High School cheerleading program has been suspended after allegations surfaced of a toxic and pervasive culture of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, according to a letter sent to families.
School administrators discussed the allegations with the school board in a non-public session on Saturday, the letter says, and voted unanimously to suspend the program immediately. The suspension will remain in effect until at least Sept. 25, when the board with re-evaluate the program’s standing.
The letter says the allegations “encompass the entire cheerleading program, including the coaching staff, student athletes, and parents.”
“Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, and we hold student-athletes in Londonderry to high standards. The District attempts to offer as many extra curriculars as it can to satisfy the various needs and interests of a diverse student population. However, fundamentally, extra-curricular activities are an extension of a rigorous program of academic instruction in Londonderry, and the educational component of these extra-curriculars cannot be put aside. When we receive allegations that a program’s overall culture is perpetuating mistreatment of students, we must act swiftly,” the letter read.
Schools officials told 7NEWS the program has been suspended for two weeks as the investigation gets underway.
“We’re in a situation right now, where myself, other administrators involved, as well as the school board can’t quite guarantee all the student-athletes feel safe right now,” said Londonderry Superintendent Dan Black, who told 7NEWS that an outside investigator had been hired to look into allegations. “I think where we’re at is we’re just trying to protect student safety, above all else. It’s definitely a disappointing start to the year – I mean, everyone agrees, but I think we’re just trying to make sure that our student-athletes feel safe and hopefully, we can get to that point.”
Black said the coaching staff is on paid administrative leave as the investigation plays out. The school board is expected to discuss the future of the program in the coming weeks.
“That is, we’re hopeful we can kind of sort through this and salvage some sort of a season for the girls, but we have to get there,” he said.
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