JV football canceled at Monroe-Woodbury High School due to bullying

MONROE, N.Y. (WABC) -- School officials at Monroe-Woodbury High School in Orange County have canceled the rest of the football season for the junior varsity team.

Officials say they were notified about bullying among team members, including verbal abuse.

An investigation was launched immediately, and families of the students were contacted. The Monroe-Woodbury Central School District administration said that in written complaints, student athletes notified the district of verbal abuse taking place among players this season. After the initial investigation, the district decided to forfeit the last two games.

Administrators have interviewed about half of the 58 players on the JV team, and they've learned about 10 students were involved in the alleged abuse that took place on the athletic field and/or the locker room. The team had a 3-4 record before the district took action, action that was recommended by athletic director Ron Montalto.

"We needed to hold people accountable, young people accountable for their actions against their teammates," he said.

Officials called the behavior unacceptable.

"We will never tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind in this district," interim superintendent Elsie Rodriguez said. "We will take whatever action necessary to keep the students safe and secure while in the district's care."

The verbal abuse allegedly also included use of the N word.

"It was used, and it's a word we don't support, we don't condone, we don't allow," Rodriguez said. "There was some homophobic statements being made, as well."

Tony Cardone is the president of the parents' football club. He says in the eyes of many moms and dads, the administration made the right choice in canceling the final two games.

"I will tell you that it is probable 70-30 in support of the decision," he said. "I don't know that any of the people I talked to were directly affected, so maybe that might be skewed."

The district says it will implement additional anti-bullying training to ensure the safety of all students.

Rodriguez released the following statement in regards to her decision:

The decision to cancel the remainder of the junior varsity football team's season was a most difficult one.

As a district we are committed to providing a safe, secure environment for ALL of our students, whether in a classroom, hallway, bus, locker room or athletic field. The students are, and will always be, our primary focus and top priority.

On the first day of school, I presented before the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District faculty and staff, and in my speech I pledged that decisions by this administration would always be made with "an eye for what is best for the student." This situation is a case in point.

The investigation into the alleged verbal abuse will continue until we have a clear picture of what has taken place. District administration will meet with families on an individual basis to help address parents' questions and concerns.

This is a sensitive issue, and based on our initial findings, district officials believe the best course of action is to forfeit the final two games of the season and focus on speaking to our students and getting the full picture. Proper disciplinary action will be taken once the investigation is complete. As an educational institution, we are responsible for helping our students learn the difference between right and wrong.

The district's mission statement says: "Underlying all educational endeavors must be the development in each child of a feeling of self worth and self respect, along with the acquisition of pride in work and the development of good character."

We will be exploring additional character development initiatives and anti-bullying programs for all members of the Monroe-Woodbury community. The ultimate goal is to

foster a district culture built on respect for all.