A high school in Pennsylvania has suspended all of its high school and middle school sporting activities amidst an investigation leading to a protest from students Friday morning, Oct. 16.
On Thursday, 6ABC Action News reported that Penn Wood High School and its middle school had paused all sporting activities. The pause is related to an independent investigation into an alleged incident, as well as to evaluate the culture and climate of the high school and middle school programs.
On Thursday, the William Penn Scholl District released a statement regarding the situation. It read as follows:
"In response to information received about an alleged incident that implicates culture and climate in athletics, the William Penn School District has appointed an outside investigator to objectively evaluate the information. In the meantime, all Penn Wood Middle School and High School athletic activities are suspended.
Student safety and well-being remain paramount. The district will conduct a fair and thorough review under applicable district policies. Student-athletes will have the opportunity to share their experiences through a climate survey to help inform this work.
Families are also invited to share positive experiences within Penn Wood athletics by emailing communications@wpsd.k12.pa.us. This feedback can help us understand what is working well and what we want to strengthen.
We recognize that this pause is disappointing for students, families, coaches, and supporters. Athletics provides meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and teamwork, and we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful environment for every student.
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we enhance the culture and climate in WPSD athletics."
On Friday, the suspension of the athletic programs led to hundreds of students at the high school staging a protest. NBC10 Philadelphia was at the protest and noted the protest began at 10:14 am ET. The report noted that students, parents and even a staff member at the school claimed the reason behind the investigation was due to a hazing incident.
Aside from a fight that broke out during the protest that was unrelated to the protest itself, the report noted that it was peaceful after as both police and staff members were all present.
Penn Wood High football was scheduled to play Chichester (PA) Friday night. The Patriots have two remaining games on its football schedule after that, including a home game against Chester (PA) on Oct. 24 and the regular season finale at Academy Park (PA) on Oct. 31.
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pennsylvania students stage walk out to protest school suspending athletics