LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE: The cheerleading program of a New Hampshire high school has been suspended in response to allegations of bullying and harassment concerning both students and adults associated with the program.
The Londonderry School Board unanimously voted to suspend the high school's cheerleading program without any further delay.
According to the school's official website, Richard Barnes has been serving as the principal of the educational institution since July 1 of this year, Derry News reports.
Barnes took over the responsibility after then Londonderry High Principal Jason Parent stepped down to take on the assistant superintendent role.
What did the Londonderry Public School board say?
"School officials have recently become aware of extremely concerning allegations regarding a toxic and pervasive culture of bullying, harassment, and discrimination on the Londonderry High School Cheerleading Squad,", Londonderry Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Black, who communicated the decision to families through a letter, wrote.
"Unfortunately, these allegations encompass the entire cheerleading program, including the coaching staff, student athletes, and parents", he added.
According to Black's letter, the cheerleading coaches at the school have now been placed on administrative leave and they have to wait until the outcome of the investigation comes out.
The superintendent explained that school administrators also reportedly support the decisions made by the school board.
Who will investigate the incident?
The school is currently in the process of selecting a private investigator to thoroughly go through the allegations with the school board due to decide on September 25 as to whether the cheerleading program should continue for this season.
"Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, and we hold student-athletes in Londonderry to high standards," Superintendent Black wrote.
"When we receive allegations that a program's overall culture is perpetuating mistreatment of students, we must act swiftly," his letter stated.
Daniel Black said that no wrongdoing has been confirmed
At this point, Black also shed light on the fact that no wrongdoing has been confirmed. If the probes confirm any occurrence of misconduct, the school administration will address it through "typical disciplinary channels".
He also emphasized on the aim of every administrator and School Board member in Londonderry.
"Every administrator and School Board member has the shared goal of helping students succeed in a caring, supportive learning environment," the superintendent wrote.
"Where the integrity of that environment has been compromised, it is incumbent upon all of us to determine what went wrong and how we fix it," he added.
Daniel Black also cautioned against gossip
"Any student conduct that amounts to bullying or retaliation should be reported to the appropriate administrator and will be addressed accordingly,", he wrote.
"While your student's conduct in school matters, please also be mindful of their conduct on the internet, including cyberbullying,", he cautioned.
Londonderry police Captain Patrick Cheetham said his department is not involved in the investigation at the moment.
"We are aware of the letter. There is no open investigation,' Cheetham said.
X users react to the incident
Many 'X' users reacted to the incident. One user wrote, "Their parents are probably terrible humans. I know some kids turn out bad no matter how much you try. But most time, their behavior reflects the conduct they witness at home. Juvenile Hall might be best for. these young women" while another tweeted, "dude worried about a cheerleading squad...a high school cheerleading squad."
One wrote, "Wow, shocking! I mean they’re such a diverse group of 100% white girls " and another penned, "No surprise. I live not far from the NH border. It’s like a Wild West toxic soup up there." "Future 'Moms for Liberty'", wrote one.
