Penn Wood High and Middle School sports suspended over "culture and climate" incident
Students at a Pennsylvania high school spoke out Friday after their district suspended all high school and middle school sports amid an investigation.
All sports and secondary athletics at Penn Wood Middle School and High School are suspended due to an investigation involving an "alleged incident that implicates culture and climate in athletics," the William Penn School District said in an updated statement Friday.
In a statement posted online, the school district in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, said an independent investigator has been assigned to the case. A district spokesperson told CBS News Philadelphia they didn't know who was conducting the investigation.
The suspension applied to high school athletics Thursday. It was expanded to all secondary athletics, including middle school athletics, Friday.
On Friday night, William Penn School District said in a statement the investigation is related to behavior by "student-athletes that, if proven by a preponderance of the evidence, would violate Board policies." The district has yet to identify specifically what or who is under investigation.
The district also said it will evaluate each team's "culture and climate" and allow teams to resume activities when officials determine appropriate safety measures are in place.
"We recognize the disappointment and legitimate concerns caused by the suspension of athletics," the district's updated statement said. "The district made a difficult decision out of concern for athlete safety and the culture and climate of our programs. We understand that the suspension affects students and families across our athletic programs. It is not intended to be permanent."
Friday's statement also said the district is finalizing an agreement with an investigator.
The school district said families can share "positive experiences within Penn Wood athletics by emailing communications@wpsd.k12.pa.us."
The district said the feedback would allow the district to identify areas that are working and where it needs to improve.
"Student safety and well-being remain paramount," the school district said in a statement posted online. "The district will conduct a fair and thorough review under applicable district policies. Student-athletes will have the opportunity to share their experiences through a climate survey to help inform this work."
"We recognize that this pause is disappointing for students, families, coaches, and supporters. Athletics provides meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and teamwork, and we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful environment for every student."
Hundreds of students walked out of Penn Wood High School in Lansdowne on Friday in protest, chanting "no sports, no peace." They said they feel they're being punished for something they had nothing to do with. Police blocked off the road as students left classes at the beginning of fourth period.
"Everyone is angry," Kamila Majid, a junior basketball player at Penn Wood High School, said. "Everyone feels like this isn't right, and I agree. I feel like this isn't right because students have worked hard to play sports in the first place. Many students rely on sports to stay out of trouble, to get good grades."
Some students worry the suspension could jeopardize their chances of earning athletic scholarships.
"I feel very disappointed in the school and the community," junior Azia Harris said, "and just everything in general involving this."
Some parents said they support the students' decision to walk out.
"They need sports," parent Naeema Peterson said. "They need extracurricular activities to do."
There is no timeline for when sports will return to the schools, meaning athletes like Jahmir Smith are left on the sidelines.
"It really do hurt that I can't play football," Jahmir said. "But it is what it is."
The Lansdowne Police Department said it is not involved in the investigation and referred all questions to the school district.
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office declined comment.
