What About That Fight?
Many SHS parents were surprised to receive a September 29 letter from Principal John Klemme discussing a fight that had occurred at a private party over Labor Day Weekend where two students were seriously injured.
Though no one is talking, the story on the street is that up to 30 students, including some members of the football and boy’s soccer teams were involved in a brutal fight at a private home. One student’s nose was shattered and another had injuries to his ribs. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment, though police were not called and no incident report was filed.
Since the Scarsdale High School Athletic Code dictates that students who misbehave on or off school grounds will be punished and may lose their privilege to participate on the team, Principal John Klemme and Assistant Principal Fred Goldberg interviewed suspects and attempted to find out what happened and who is to blame.
From his letter, it is clear that no one wanted to talk, including the students who were battered or their parents. According to Klemme, “Perhaps more disheartening for our school and its relationship with the community, however, is that while we teach and rely upon honesty, respect, trust, and integrity, some students and adults have adopted a "code of silence" that protects the guilty and sends disturbing messages to all.
Unlike the infamous homecoming event in 2003 where drunk students were taken straight from the high school to the hospital, this event occurred off campus and there were no official witnesses. After the homecoming incident, Klemme made extensive inquiries and some students were suspended from school, based on information gleaned from other students. As the suspensions appeared on student’s transcripts there were many heated exchanges between angry parents, students and the administration at that time.
In this case, there was a brutal fight and perhaps someone should be called on the carpet rather than sweeping the entire incident under the rug. No one seems to want to be caught in the glare of the police headlights or be held accountable in the principal’s office. The Athletic Code does not appear to be enforceable when students and parents refuse to cooperate with coaches and school administrators.
By shielding their children from any disciplinary action parents may be doing them a disservice. When bad behavior goes unchecked, children can be empowered to continue to act out and get into even bigger trouble, assuming their parents can bail them out.
Rather than simply let this blow over, should the school enforce a punishment for the two teams that were involved? Even though the entire teams were not present, should the school let students know that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated in the future? How about canceling a game, scheduling a face-to-face meeting with the two teams or requiring a day of community service? This would give students the opportunity to ponder what happened, diffuse the anger and hopefully give them pause before engaging in another brutal exchange.
What do you think? Is what happens outside of school a private matter or should the school take action? Please share your thoughts below.
Comments (36)
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written by No, October 12, 2010
This could happen in any school district and any where all over the world. The fact that it happened one time in Scarsdale is not a big deal. The fight is way over exaggerated and blown up. The fact that these kids in Scarsdale may be wealthy has nothing to do with the fight and articles are putting false labels on these kids, covering up the fight because they want to get into Ivy league schools. Not shame on Scarsdale, shame on everyone else who is blowing this up.
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written by not enuf already, October 12, 2010
The wisdom of our Scarsdale High School Seniors: what's the big deal here? Fights happen all the time in the real world, so one happened in Scarsdale. They kissed & made up, so let's move on...
Yes, fights happen among adults in the real world (and these kids were nearly adults). When injury like this occurs, someone normally goes to jail. In school, fights normally end by 6-7th grade. What should the school do about it? They are charged by the state of NY to impart morals, ethics, values, character, etc. But if you are devoid of those things yourself, how do you impart them to others? Same can be said for certain parents. Children pick up on what you do, not what you say. In this town, you always hear the school talking about how we are developing the perfect children right here in Scarsdale. Listening to the wisdom of our youth, I think the NY Times & other news media who portray us as aberrant human beings got it right. This is a real embarrassment...
Yes, fights happen among adults in the real world (and these kids were nearly adults). When injury like this occurs, someone normally goes to jail. In school, fights normally end by 6-7th grade. What should the school do about it? They are charged by the state of NY to impart morals, ethics, values, character, etc. But if you are devoid of those things yourself, how do you impart them to others? Same can be said for certain parents. Children pick up on what you do, not what you say. In this town, you always hear the school talking about how we are developing the perfect children right here in Scarsdale. Listening to the wisdom of our youth, I think the NY Times & other news media who portray us as aberrant human beings got it right. This is a real embarrassment...
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written by ., October 11, 2010
yall are ridiculous. the town is fine. the kids are fine. grow up and look past this. dont go blaming everything that happened on scarsdale. this could have happened anywhere.
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written by Linda Goetz Holmes SHS '51, October 11, 2010
As someone who grew up in Scarsdale and graduated from the High School, I am appalled to read Peter Applebome's column in today's New York Times (10/11/10) about the brawl at a private home over Labor Day weekend. The moral dysfunction of parents and involved students is a sad commentary indeed. When we were teenagers in the late 1940s and early 50s, we were acutely aware that our bad behavior would be an embarrassment to our patents. The community held our parents responsible for our behavior, and we knew it. How outrageous that parent and students in 2010 feel the necessity to cover up, and thus condone, such behavior out of fear that, as Applebome puts it, "their child won't get into Harvard" or teaching him "how the game is played." I had the pleasure of meeting SHS Principal John Klemme in October 2008 when I was one of the honorees of the Alumni Achievement Award that year. All I can say is: Shame on you, Scarsdale!
Linda Goetz Holmes, SHS '51
Linda Goetz Holmes, SHS '51
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written by SHS Class of '69, October 11, 2010
What a load of horse manure. Athletes? No way. "Poseurs" is more appropriate. If you're not a "grind", an artist, or a musician, you're a "poseur"... and that's OK, because this is, after all, friggin' high school! The problem is that we believe our own hype.
High school is the culmination of adolescence: We define whom we are, within a relatively small, closed community. It's also the final phase of "growing-up", when we're still expected to "try-on" Life's clothing, while making teenage mistakes.
You're all taking it way too seriously! AP classes, massive extra-curricula activities, and all the rest quite simply prevent our kids from doing their normal "growing-up". It doesn't matter if they go to an Ivy League school, or spend two years at Westchester Community College and then transfer to SUNY "wherver". It does matter if they haven't learned to take a "No" from Susie when it comes to a date or sex (or if they don't even ask her out!). The bulk of society doesn't accept 20- or 30-year-olds who have the emotional maturity of a teenager, who continue making inappropriate teenage mistakes.
Our kids need to grow-up when their teenagers; not before-hand, and not afterward. "Johnny" needs to learn that running his mouth might get him a split lip, and "Billy" needs to learn that there are other -- better -- ways of dealing with the "Johnnys" of this world.
My 2-cents... YMMV.
High school is the culmination of adolescence: We define whom we are, within a relatively small, closed community. It's also the final phase of "growing-up", when we're still expected to "try-on" Life's clothing, while making teenage mistakes.
You're all taking it way too seriously! AP classes, massive extra-curricula activities, and all the rest quite simply prevent our kids from doing their normal "growing-up". It doesn't matter if they go to an Ivy League school, or spend two years at Westchester Community College and then transfer to SUNY "wherver". It does matter if they haven't learned to take a "No" from Susie when it comes to a date or sex (or if they don't even ask her out!). The bulk of society doesn't accept 20- or 30-year-olds who have the emotional maturity of a teenager, who continue making inappropriate teenage mistakes.
Our kids need to grow-up when their teenagers; not before-hand, and not afterward. "Johnny" needs to learn that running his mouth might get him a split lip, and "Billy" needs to learn that there are other -- better -- ways of dealing with the "Johnnys" of this world.
My 2-cents... YMMV.
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written by Enough Already, October 11, 2010
Alright look, we can bicker about this for weeks, but what's done is done and it's time to start looking at things in the interest of allowing the kids to move on. Being present where the fight broke out as well as being a senior in the high school, I think I can speak for all of my friends and fellow classmates when I say this whole thing has been blown out of proportion. Sure, the fight was big and kids did get hurt. This was a mutual fight, both kids willingly got themselves involved in the fight and those who were not willing to accept the consequences shouldn't have been running their mouths to begin with. Not saying I don't have sympathy for the kids who got beaten up badly, but its true that these types of things happen in fights and I think everyone will keep that in mind next time the prospect for a fight comes up.
Now I know at first glance, it appears that the school is being ridiculous in that they are letting what you all consider to be a "huge issue" go unresolved. What exactly do you expect the school to do? This was an event that happened off school grounds while school was not in session. This was not done on behalf of the football and soccer teams, so those of you that suggest that the school should punish the team itself are speaking out of line. It is true that the divide of the kids in the fight happened to present a sort of football vs. soccer theme, but to say that now the other innocent members of both teams should be punished because of what some of their teammates did during a weekend is unfair.
The fact of the matter is this, this is a month-old issue, and kids who owed apologies gave apologies to the kids and parents who were seeking them. If that's all the parents wanted and don't want to press charges or get these kids suspended then who are you all to talk so poorly of them. Do you all honestly believe that these kids futures should all be ruined simply because they got into a fight while they were in high school? This happens all the time in the real world, and higher authorities don't need to always be brought in to sort things out. What happened was between the students, and it is something that needs to be resolved by the students. We can't change what happened, but we can be fortunate that no lives were lost and allow all of us to just move on. Being a senior, I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say we don't want their to be constant problems amongst us, it is our senior year and we all want to have a good last year together. This can't happen if the entire community is going to continue to make a huge deal out of one altercation and now we have the media even getting involved. It's enough already and the sooner we drop this issue, the sooner the kids can restore a good relationship with everyone and at the end of the day that's all we really should care about.
Now I know at first glance, it appears that the school is being ridiculous in that they are letting what you all consider to be a "huge issue" go unresolved. What exactly do you expect the school to do? This was an event that happened off school grounds while school was not in session. This was not done on behalf of the football and soccer teams, so those of you that suggest that the school should punish the team itself are speaking out of line. It is true that the divide of the kids in the fight happened to present a sort of football vs. soccer theme, but to say that now the other innocent members of both teams should be punished because of what some of their teammates did during a weekend is unfair.
The fact of the matter is this, this is a month-old issue, and kids who owed apologies gave apologies to the kids and parents who were seeking them. If that's all the parents wanted and don't want to press charges or get these kids suspended then who are you all to talk so poorly of them. Do you all honestly believe that these kids futures should all be ruined simply because they got into a fight while they were in high school? This happens all the time in the real world, and higher authorities don't need to always be brought in to sort things out. What happened was between the students, and it is something that needs to be resolved by the students. We can't change what happened, but we can be fortunate that no lives were lost and allow all of us to just move on. Being a senior, I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say we don't want their to be constant problems amongst us, it is our senior year and we all want to have a good last year together. This can't happen if the entire community is going to continue to make a huge deal out of one altercation and now we have the media even getting involved. It's enough already and the sooner we drop this issue, the sooner the kids can restore a good relationship with everyone and at the end of the day that's all we really should care about.
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written by What are you thinking?!?!, October 11, 2010
This is an incident of rich and elitist kids and their parents who think that its ok to get away with anything. This is not the way to raise a child because when the kid gets into the real world, he'll be in much more trouble
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written by Class of '86, October 11, 2010
Scarsdale High has a long history of violence AND lawyering parents to clean up after.
In '85 6 "greaser" SHS students attempted to 'brook' (ie, throw in the creek in front of the school) a well known student who wore designer jeans all the time.
SHS security confronted them and told them to "drop him"; which they did on his head on pavement from 6 feet up and caused neck, head and spine injuries.
It was at lunch time and no less than 100+ kids saw this.
NO ONE SAID A WORD
Scarsdale parents are largely corporate drones, living in desperate fear of their jobs and stretch lifestyle. The few entrepreneurs and stars keep their kids far away from these 'pack cowards'
Scarsdale School District paid a multi-million $ settlement.
In '85 6 "greaser" SHS students attempted to 'brook' (ie, throw in the creek in front of the school) a well known student who wore designer jeans all the time.
SHS security confronted them and told them to "drop him"; which they did on his head on pavement from 6 feet up and caused neck, head and spine injuries.
It was at lunch time and no less than 100+ kids saw this.
NO ONE SAID A WORD
Scarsdale parents are largely corporate drones, living in desperate fear of their jobs and stretch lifestyle. The few entrepreneurs and stars keep their kids far away from these 'pack cowards'
Scarsdale School District paid a multi-million $ settlement.
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written by Observer, October 10, 2010
This could happen in any community. Rich or poor. Little doubt from the amount of violence that alcohol was a contributing factor. Thank goodness no one was killed. Now is the time to address the unsupervised partying involving underage drinking that is common place in Scarsdale and every Westchester community. No booze, and it is highly unlikely that this incident would have ever happened.
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written by SHS, October 10, 2010
These things happen in high school, suck it up! If your getting bullied, fight back and stand up for yourself!
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written by wrong question, October 09, 2010
If you want to know what to do AFTER the incident took place, you are already too late. If punishment was an effective deterrent, we wouldn't have any crime now, certainly no repeat offenders coming from our jails. Sure, lock up any kid who thinks this is okay, but don't expect it to work long run. You may as well threaten to punish a suicide bomber and expect it to stop...
To stop this sort of thing, you need to start with why it is happening and catch it BEFORE the behavior starts. What are educated and advantaged kids doing this for? You need to look at the parents and the schools...basically the environment for these kids. If you're not willing to do something to fix this environment, don't complain the next time something like this happens (typically 3-5x/year)...
To stop this sort of thing, you need to start with why it is happening and catch it BEFORE the behavior starts. What are educated and advantaged kids doing this for? You need to look at the parents and the schools...basically the environment for these kids. If you're not willing to do something to fix this environment, don't complain the next time something like this happens (typically 3-5x/year)...
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written by Sick and Tired, October 09, 2010
Typical Scarsdale.....nothing has ever changed in this town, nor will it ever. The complete lack of responsible parenting and accountibility is a historical problem in this town. The absence of boldness and leadership on the part of the school district's adminsitration has always been a problem.
The police should fully investigate the matter as should the school district. If the football coach does not assist, then terminate his employment. It really is that simple. Stop screwing around.
The police should fully investigate the matter as should the school district. If the football coach does not assist, then terminate his employment. It really is that simple. Stop screwing around.
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written by Anon723, October 08, 2010
No sporting events take place until the perps fess up and face the music. The principal knows this is the right thing to do, but is only willing to stick his neck out so far. BTW, just because parents live in or send their kids to snooty Scarsdale High School does not mean they themselves are educated. People, how many spelling errors can you make in one measly commentary?
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written by Scott Mills, October 08, 2010
I took an elementary class to the museum last year, and was ashamed at how many kids touched things that said "do not touch" and decided that red velvet ropes were meant for crossing. The entitlement starts very early in this town and comes from watching mom and dad behave badly when they are around!
As far as the high school kids, would there still be silence if someone died?
As far as the high school kids, would there still be silence if someone died?
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written by been there long ago, October 08, 2010
I was a victim...some 40 years ago, in a school district (similar to Scarsdale) but also in Westchester. The emotional and physical tormenting I was subjected to was unspeakable. Yet when my parents and grandmother went to the administration, nothing was done. The code of silence of the perpetrators prevailed. Obviously, their collective plea of ignorance and innocene prevailed.
I won't go into details, but, at one point, I had chicken wire wrapped around my neck in art class.
It is a wonder I did not spend the next 40 years in therapy.
I pray that these victims will open up and tell what happened.
I won't go into details, but, at one point, I had chicken wire wrapped around my neck in art class.
It is a wonder I did not spend the next 40 years in therapy.
I pray that these victims will open up and tell what happened.
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written by Disgusted and Disappointed, October 08, 2010
Don't blame the school system. The school isn't breeding competition and violence. It is not the school's responsibility to impart morals and values in its students. The school system responds to and caters to the parents' requests and demands. These are the parents who hold their children back a grade so that their children can be the shining star of their class, the parents who won't speak to their children when they don't get into Ivy League schools, the parents who expect A's on their children's report cards and hire expensive tutors to raise grades from an A to an A+. The pressure and expectations come from the home. The messages the children receive are from their parents.
This incident is nothing more than another disgusting display of elitism, greed and entitement that is so pervasive in our community. The parents who are adopting the code of silence are teaching their children that disrespect is OK, that their wrong-doings have no consequences and that the rules don't apply to them. What a cowardly group of parents and children.
This incident is nothing more than another disgusting display of elitism, greed and entitement that is so pervasive in our community. The parents who are adopting the code of silence are teaching their children that disrespect is OK, that their wrong-doings have no consequences and that the rules don't apply to them. What a cowardly group of parents and children.
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written by the real deal, October 07, 2010
if we start out accepting the basic framework of what we are doing in the schools, the sacred cow in scarsdale, we'll be arguing this all day and find the same thing happening time & time again. but if we look at what we are doing objectively, looking for the truth, we can solve this and create a more constructive environment for our kids. a little over a year ago a professor of education gave a presentation to the pta explaining that in high stress school districts, kids will act out through harming themselves (substance abuse) or serious violence. my son came home last night with 18 hours of homework to do. does someone want to tell me this is not a high stress environment? what should we expect these kids to do but this sort of thing? you can run around and punish whomever you like, but next year some other kids will do the same thing...you just can't treat human beings this way and expect them not to go over the edge. if you are a parent and you really want to stop this from happening in the future, why tell the school? they'll just keep on pressuring these kids and it will just keep happening; same act/different players. we think we're giving our kids some amazing education for all this pain, but ask the kid getting his face kicked what he was learning, and try doing the same thing to the ones attacking him.
If we want to fix this, we have all the resources at our fingertips to do it easily right now. we need to grow up and stop accepting what this school is doing to our kids. you need to challenge the kids so they learn, but 18 hours of homework in one night is rediculous, the school needs to take the steam off what they are doing so these kids can grow up as human beings and actually learn. then we will see this sort of thing decline. but they pay lip service to these sorts of changes and just keep increasing the pressure. the school needs to take responsibility for their own errors, act in a trustworthy and honorable manner and teach kids rather than abuse them. as long as we keep accepting this sort of thing from the school, we will have more of these incidents in the future to entertain ourselves with, but no resolution that jibes with what our ideas are on how to be a decent human being...
If we want to fix this, we have all the resources at our fingertips to do it easily right now. we need to grow up and stop accepting what this school is doing to our kids. you need to challenge the kids so they learn, but 18 hours of homework in one night is rediculous, the school needs to take the steam off what they are doing so these kids can grow up as human beings and actually learn. then we will see this sort of thing decline. but they pay lip service to these sorts of changes and just keep increasing the pressure. the school needs to take responsibility for their own errors, act in a trustworthy and honorable manner and teach kids rather than abuse them. as long as we keep accepting this sort of thing from the school, we will have more of these incidents in the future to entertain ourselves with, but no resolution that jibes with what our ideas are on how to be a decent human being...
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written by Almostouttahere, October 07, 2010
Oh yes. Another case where the co-curricular code is not enforced. Are we not surprised? We can flash our female parts on the internet with our friends and remain a starter, we can beat the crap out of kids in other towns over a girl....but jam the halls full of Juniors and no Junior Olympics. We have never had any consequences for athletes in Scarsdale, so let's move on.
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written by ScarsdaleSpoiledSports, October 07, 2010
So many in this community who are privileged think they are above the laws, the standards, the codes, the proper ethics and they teach this to their children. Time and time again we see the outcomes of parents who are quick to rescue their children from their bad judgements, their bad behaviors. Its always someone else's kid never their own. The code of silence is disgusting and it seems like many, many people, including SHS administration and the coaches know who needs to be punished. I think sanctions against the whole team or teams need to be put in place. Yes, sometimes our actions affect others and innocent people get hurt, that is life. In years to come these parents who only protect their bully kids will be sorry...you are only doing your child and the community an injustice.
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written by Klemme Should Act, October 07, 2010
Although this did not take place on school grounds, there is a code of ethics for being on a team. Even professional athletes are suspended for games based on off-the-field conduct. If the school wanted answers, neither team would have another game until team members come forward with the truth. And certainly homecoming should have been cancelled.
The letter from the principal was disingenuous, as he criticized parents and students for not coming forward, when neither he nor the coach has come forward with what they know. It is no surprise that the victims are hesitant to come forward, given the school's history of being more concerned with the rights of the accused, than those of the victim.
The letter from the principal was disingenuous, as he criticized parents and students for not coming forward, when neither he nor the coach has come forward with what they know. It is no surprise that the victims are hesitant to come forward, given the school's history of being more concerned with the rights of the accused, than those of the victim.
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written by Unknown, October 07, 2010
The solution is simple. Subpoena the victim, grant immunity to the victim, and ask for the names of the persons who beat him. Subpoena the others, repeat. Once you have the details the school can suspend who ever it wants, as they are not bound by the grant of immunity from prosecution by the law.
I agree with all the other posters that this just shows the corruption of Scarsdale's values. The pedestal we hold our athletes on, is a huge mistake, and we do them no favors. When they get to college and repeat this behavior, they will end up in jail where they belong.
I agree with all the other posters that this just shows the corruption of Scarsdale's values. The pedestal we hold our athletes on, is a huge mistake, and we do them no favors. When they get to college and repeat this behavior, they will end up in jail where they belong.
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written by BILL B, October 07, 2010
Why did Principal John Klemme send out such a vague email to the parents. His email did not state any facts and left much up to our imaginations. I had thoughts of rape, drug abuse, another drunken display, racism, pedofilia and was almost relieved to hear it was just a good old fashion high school fist fight. No guns, knives or weapons of mass destruction.
Let's suspend the entire school from 9th thru12th grades. This action will cover anyone who may have been involved, a witness or plays on any team or club at the school. I heard their was a school administrator near by so the faculty must be let go for a day (with pay of course, bow to the union).This will send a message that we are all in this together. One big happy disfunctional family. Have you all gone mad!
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written by TimeforTruth, October 07, 2010
The football coach knows who the boys are (he made them apologize). The coach works for the school and the school can make the coach call the police and tell all he knows. My question to the Board of Ed is -- how seriously does a student have to be hurt by another student (wherever the incident takes place) before the school will require one of its employees to go to talk to the police? If a football star broke your kids legs and the coach knew who it was -- is it OK for the school to look the other way because it happened at a party?
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written by whomever, October 07, 2010
It is all about college transcripts. No parent wants their child to have the blight of youthful offfender to explain. How do we as parents explain to our children that doing the right thing( fessing up) does not apply to the privileged scions of Scarsdale?
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written by ?, October 07, 2010
Athletic scholarships? Are you serious? That just made me laugh out loud.
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written by StairBob, October 07, 2010
It simply is a matter that parents have failed their children, again. Parents trying to give little Johnny the best, sometimes forget that the best includes a disciplined life. Since it is apparent that the collective efforts of students and parents have failed in living up to decent societal values, it would be wise for the school district to act. Removing a game from the schedule will not be a deterrent.
If you want people to be responsible, you have to make them need to be responsible. How many of these students are hoping for athletic scholarships to college? Without these scholarships, mommy and daddy are on the hook for thousands of additional dollars. If you want answers, suspend the season until answers are given. Every game missed will tighten the monetary grip, as there will be less opportunities for little Johnny to impress the recruiters. Once the parents see the money going away, you WILL have answers flowing like milk and honey.
If you want people to be responsible, you have to make them need to be responsible. How many of these students are hoping for athletic scholarships to college? Without these scholarships, mommy and daddy are on the hook for thousands of additional dollars. If you want answers, suspend the season until answers are given. Every game missed will tighten the monetary grip, as there will be less opportunities for little Johnny to impress the recruiters. Once the parents see the money going away, you WILL have answers flowing like milk and honey.
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written by Uhm..., October 06, 2010
Look, I understand all of you think it's a big deal and the whole team should be punished, but this wasn't even at a school event. It's not the school's business to say what disciplinary measures should be used on a kid for a fight that occurred off school grounds not during school hours, at a non-school function. That's why nobody's gonna talk, because it's not anybody's business who's trying to get involved. If there's a real issue, the Police should get involved, not the school.
And by the way, it wasn't a gang fight, whoever said that is just a flat out liar. It was one kid punching another repeatedly in the face while somebody else held him down. Two people, not a gang.
And by the way, it wasn't a gang fight, whoever said that is just a flat out liar. It was one kid punching another repeatedly in the face while somebody else held him down. Two people, not a gang.
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written by disbelief?, October 06, 2010
I think the entire soccer team should be tarred and feathered
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written by anonymous, October 06, 2010
I feel as if Klemme is not doing as much as he should be about this incident. These kids that attended the party and got in the fight deserve a punishment to show that fighting is NOT the correct way to handle things and that actions like this can end with a result of serious consequences. If Klemme and Menna don't do anything about this issue then these kids will never realize how serious something like this is, even if it's not intended to be.
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written by whomever, October 06, 2010
I was involved in an incident on the football team some time ago. The guilty athletes were all disciplined, and it really taught us all a valuable lesson that still resonates today.. The silence of the team is still "groupthink" . What about the coach? The captain's of team? Just hearing about the principal is not enough. This is a team and community matter, if the team can't handle it, the community must!!
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written by What else is new?, October 06, 2010
This is just another example of the insidious disease that is inflicting our culture and country. We are doing a poor job of raising some of our children to be exemplary citizens. Instead, we are raising hooligans that do not have accountability. It starts at home and it is apparent that parents are not setting the proper example. If nothing is done about this issue, then the next situation will be worse. Parents must be vigilent is setting discipline. If not, expect more of the same.
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written by disbelief, October 06, 2010
i think the entire football team should be punished... this was a gang fight -- i've heard up to 10 kids kicking 1 kid in the head (at one time). not only do we have bystanders watching this occur, but we have the kids partaking. i think the athletic director would do these kids (& their parents) a favor by taking action. last year when there was an incident with some kids from a group (I don't recall which group) the entire group was sent home from a competition - not just the few who misbehaved. athletes get a lot more wriggle room - who knows? maybe one of the kids kicking or bystanding could be the next college athlete who rapes or kills someone? better to punish now and hope these young men can learn from it.
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written by whatever, October 05, 2010
the police can investigate and get much information about the incident. You do not need a person to file a complaints to start investigation! to punish groups (teams) is silly. you need to punish whoever took part of this fight.
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written by Irene Drivas, October 05, 2010
The idea of punishing a team as a whole for the bad behavior of a few of its members is wrong.
The fighting did not happen "in the name of football" or "in the name of soccer...tennis...basketball... " or any of the other teams whose members were there that night. Perhaps we should find out what other organizations the boys who did the fighting might also belong to? Church? Synagogue? Political Party? Shall we punish those entire organizations as well? The suggestion that any entire group should face punishment because of the actions of some individuals is actually illegal in this country. Disciplinary action against students who did not break the rules is in violation of their rights of due process, among other things. I'm sure that you do not support discriminatory profiling or targeting of ethnic, racial or other groups. Why pick on innocent students who want to play football? or soccer? etc.
I support the Athletic Code of Conduct and do not question the school's authority to investigate in this matter. The Standards of Behavior aims to builds self esteem and fosters school pride led by successful athletes. But punishing the innocent will have the opposite effect and is not the type of lesson in civics one would expect from Scarsdale High School.
The fighting did not happen "in the name of football" or "in the name of soccer...tennis...basketball... " or any of the other teams whose members were there that night. Perhaps we should find out what other organizations the boys who did the fighting might also belong to? Church? Synagogue? Political Party? Shall we punish those entire organizations as well? The suggestion that any entire group should face punishment because of the actions of some individuals is actually illegal in this country. Disciplinary action against students who did not break the rules is in violation of their rights of due process, among other things. I'm sure that you do not support discriminatory profiling or targeting of ethnic, racial or other groups. Why pick on innocent students who want to play football? or soccer? etc.
I support the Athletic Code of Conduct and do not question the school's authority to investigate in this matter. The Standards of Behavior aims to builds self esteem and fosters school pride led by successful athletes. But punishing the innocent will have the opposite effect and is not the type of lesson in civics one would expect from Scarsdale High School.
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i think the school, the parents and the coaches are missing the point. a missed opportunity to teach these boys (with too much bravado and testosterone) that you don't hit someone who is being held down and while others are involved. i don't advocate fighting at all, but the idea that this was a "gang mentality" is much more alarming to me than any of the other issues that have been raised.