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West Mifflin Area School District investigating alleged hazing incident involving high school baseball team

The West Mifflin Area School District is investigating an alleged hazing incident involving members of the district's high school baseball team while competing in Florida. 

The district said via a news release that it has been made aware of the allegations and is gathering more evidence.

"The safety and well-being of our students are of the utmost importance, and we are following all established policies and procedures to thoroughly investigate the matter," the news release said. "The District is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students, both on and off school grounds, and will take appropriate action based on the findings of this investigation."

The alleged hazing incident was caught on camera. A concerned parent shared the video with KDKA-TV. They wanted to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation but say they felt compelled to blow the whistle when it appeared the incident was being swept under the rug.

In the video, allegedly taken by a member of the West Mifflin High School baseball team while competing in Florida last week, you can see one teen holding a clear plastic bottle with a golden-colored liquid in it, threatening to pour it on someone in the shower who is heard saying, "get out of here."

The liquid is eventually thrown on two boys in the bathroom before screaming is heard and the video stops. Parents told KDKA-TV the liquid is urine. 

"I really don't understand why someone would do that, especially high school boys. I know they're immature but I'm not sure why one would think to do that," said Brianna Schmidt, who lives in West Mifflin. 

While the district hasn't addressed what may have been in the bottle, it confirmed an investigation is underway. 

"Any form of hazing or inappropriate behavior is completely unacceptable and does not align with the values we uphold as a District," said Jeffrey Soles, the superintendent of West Mifflin Area School District. "We are fully committed to holding all individuals involved accountable for their actions, and we will ensure that appropriate steps are taken as we continue to investigate."

The district said it will not comment further as the investigation is ongoing. A person with direct knowledge of the investigation told KDKA-TV the head coach has not been present at the last two games.  

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