HAYS CISD
Campus and district leadership met with Lehman High School baseball parents Friday morning, April 10, regarding the current criminal investigation into allegations of serious bullying by some members of the school’s baseball team, according to Tim Savoy, Hays CISD spokesperson.
Prior to the meeting, Hays CISD issued a statement that members of the Hays CISD district and campus administration have, in partnership with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, been investigating reports of a potentially serious pattern of bullying involving some varsity and junior varsity members of the Lehman High School baseball program.
Parents first brought their concerns to the attention of the campus administration and the campus- based school resource officer (SRO) on Tuesday, according to the initial statement.
Hays CISD has suspended 10 students and one staff member in connection with the investigation. Parents of the suspended students were notified, and the campus and district leaders met with parents of the other baseball players.
The initial decision conveyed to parents was that Lehman would forfeit the remaining games of this season – both varsity and junior varsity (JV), in part because of concern that there might not be enough players not implicated in the investigation to make teams. The parents were understandably very upset, according to Hays CISD.
After further consideration of the parents’ case, the district determined that the Lehman baseball season should continue with players who are not implicated. The remaining four games during the next couple of weeks will continue with at least a varsity team, and likely a JV team if there are enough players.
A key factor in the Lehman investigation is the existence of a video of an incident at Lehman High School, which shows clear violations of expected student behavior, and possibly violations of the law, according to Hays CISD.
Because some of the alleged activity may rise beyond a school disciplinary matter and constitute criminal activity, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office will now serve as the point-agency regarding any media or public questions during the pending criminal investigation.
“We want parents to know that we hear them and agree that students not implicated in any potential wrongdoing should not be penalized when we can help it. Because we have identified enough players not implicated to keep the baseball teams in business, we are glad to be able to do it,” said Hays CISD Chief Communication Officer Tim Savoy.
“Nothing should diminish the seriousness of the behavior and allegations associated with the bullying investigation. It’s horrible and those responsible will pay a significant price,” according to the Hays CISD statement.
“However, we must also recognize that the actions of some students, even if it’s a larger-than-normal group, shouldn’t define all students. Lehman High School is an amazing campus and a point-of-pride for the district, as are the many good student athletes who work to bring honor to themselves, their school, and the community,” according to Hays CISD.
