Austin-Area High School Students In Hot Water For Paddling Freshmen

Dillon Cheverere13 years ago

This is a very interesting story for me on a personal level. Because of this, I’m choosing to simply present it and withhold my usual commentary. “Why, Rodge? Why you holding out on us like this? High school hazing, man. This is right in your wheelhouse!”

I hear you, and you’re right — it is in my wheelhouse, but this story is different. Why? Because this is where I attended and graduated high school. I’m an Anderson Trojan, and a proud one. Can’t joke about it. Can’t condone it. I just can’t do it.

From KXAN:

A reported hazing incident at an Austin high school has the principal calling for changes. A letter sent to parents of Anderson High School students said, “We have had a reported hazing of some of our incoming freshmen.”

Authorities told KXAN the incidents happened in a neighborhood near the school, not on school grounds.

The school’s letter tells parents it has reports of both athletes and nonathletes who have paddled freshmen in what students may consider to be a “welcoming” ceremony.

Here is the letter sent to the parents of Anderson HS students.

Welcoming freshmen by way of neighborhood paddle swats, and on my old stomping grounds, possibly even in my old neighborhood. I don’t even know what to do with this one.

[via KXAN]