Damascus High School is well-regarded around the county for having one of the best football teams. They have won numerous state championships and currently hold the national record for longest football team winning streak. However, their names have been in the news recently not for their athletic achievements but rather for the severe hazing incident on their JV football team.
Three students were arrested Thursday November 1. All three of the students were charged with one count of second-degree rape and one count of attempted second-degree rape, according to Montgomery County police. On Friday November 2, two additional students were charged. One student was charged with three counts of second-degree rape and another student was charged with one count of attempted second-degree rape. Four juvenile male have been identified as victims. The names of all nine students are not being released due to Maryland’s standard practice when it comes to convicting juveniles.
In a letter sent out Saturday November 3 by Montgomery County Public Schools superintendent Jack Smith, he explains how all of the Damascus students charged are members of the JV football team.
The JV team forfeited their last game against Sherwood High School on November 1 due to the allegations. The varsity team is continuing its season while police investigate the team for precautions.
Damascus High School principal Casey Crouse sent out a letter to the community calling the alleged behavior upsetting and unacceptable conduct which will not be tolerated.
All charges are being handled through the state’s juvenile justice system. Hearings were held for three of the suspects Friday November 2 at the Montgomery County Circuit Courthouse in Rockville. The proceedings were closed to the public, which is common in juvenile cases. Family members of the suspects were allowed in.
School officials have not said whether team coaches will be placed on leave. The school is working alongside the police to help ensure the safety of students in the future. They are also offering counselors and psychologists for any Damascus student in need of support or counseling.
Montgomery County Public Schools on Monday, November 4, emailed a video to all students about bullying and harassment in response to the alleged incident.
“Bullying, harassment, hazing, verbal and physical abuse, whether in classrooms, hallways, sports or any extracurricular activity will not be tolerated in our schools,” Smith said in the video as he stood alongside MCPS Athletic Director Jeffrey Sullivan and MCPS Associate Superintendent Jonathan Brice. “Students who engage in this behavior will receive serious consequences and may well be referred to law enforcement.”
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Katherine Mahoney of Sherwood High School