Seven high school students have been suspended for allegedly hazing of up to 30 freshmen who were spanked with a wooden paddle.
The seven students at Henry M. Jackson High School were suspended for varying periods, some of them up to 10 days, Everett Public Schools spokeswoman Gay Campbell said. The length of the suspensions was based on the students’ behavior – whether they actually participated in the hazing or simply watched and didn’t report it, she said.
The spankings occurred on school grounds before the first day of school last week, Campbell said. The hazing apparently targeted only freshmen boys by older students.
So far, Mill Creek police have identified only two victims and three suspects. When the investigation is completed, those cases will be referred to Snohomish County’s juvenile prosecutors, police spokeswoman Becky Erk said Tuesday. School officials and police continue to investigate.
“There could be additional victims as well as additional suspects,” Erk said. “It’s early in the investigation.”
While the school has identified seven students believed to have been involved and up to 30 victims, some of the students questioned by police declined to file police reports. Others remain to be interviewed.
Officials began investigating the allegations just days before school started last Wednesday. A 14-year-old boy reported being paddled by three older boys. The school reported that incident to police on Aug. 28.
The next day, while investigating that incident, police learned of another boy, also 14, who also was paddled, Erk said.
Both boys suffered minor injuries including bruises, redness and welts, she said.
“We do not and will not tolerate intimidation, harassment, hazing or other threatening behaviors by or toward our students,” Everett Public Schools Superintendent Carol Whitehead said Tuesday Sept. 10. “We want each student to feel good about school and to feel safe at school so he or she can concentrate on learning to high standards.”
School policy prohibits such behavior and requires students to report it, Campbell said.
Police have seized the wooden paddle, Erk said. The three suspects have not yet been arrested.
“This is a serious situation. When people could become harmed, it is wrong, and there could be serious ramifications for that. Obviously the school is taking a hard line on it,” Erk said.
School district officials have no indication of hazing at any other school, Campbell said.
Cathy Logg writes for the Herald in Everett.
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