‘My heart breaks': In new message, Westhill superintendent address hazing incident, aftermath and steps forward
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The superintendent of the Westhill Central School District is out with a new statement to his district about the hazing within the boys varsity lacrosse team, the chaotic aftermath and how the district will move forward.
'My heart breaks first and foremost for the victims and their families,' wrote the superintendent in an email sent on Friday, May 2. 'The pain they have experienced is unimaginable, and they remain at the center of our concern.'
The superintendent went on to mention the 11 students ticketed as a result of the incident.
'This situation has deeply affected our entire community. That includes the students involved, who have accepted responsibility,' said Dunham. 'While we are not able to share specific details about student discipline due to privacy laws, I want to be clear that accountability is essential. So too is empathy, so that healing can begin for everyone.'
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The superintendent outlined steps the district will take to heal and improve the culture. Earlier this week, Dunham said the remainder of the boys varsity lacrosse season was cancelled to 'reset' the program.
'We will coordinate with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) for additional training and resources for all coaches and student-athletes at every level,' said Dunham. 'We will also work with OCM BOCES to increase staff training and learning opportunities for students and families related to hazing, bullying, peer pressure, and mental health. We will undergo a thorough review of our existing policies and practices.'
He also said his statement that the school can not change what has been done, but that going forward, the school district has a responsibility to identify what else they can do to eliminate behaviors like this.
.'..In addition to the supports and programs we currently have in place district-wide to address hazing, bullying, and the social-emotional learning (SEL) needs of our students, we will expand the framework of supports to strengthen these areas,' said Dunham.
Dunham pushes back on people criticizing the district's classification of the incident as 'hazing,' some suggesting it undermines the severity of the incident.
Dunham said: ''Hazing' is the formal term available to us within the Code of Conduct to classify and address this behavior. The suggestion that we are downplaying what occurred by using that term is simply incorrect. This situation has both a criminal component and a Code of Conduct component, and both are being addressed with the seriousness they deserve.'
'While this dark cloud hangs over us, we must choose to move forward,' said Dunham.'…This is the time for us to stand together in support of our students, staff, families, and one another. We will get through this—together.
Over the course of the past week, our community has been deeply impacted by the events involving members of the varsity boys lacrosse team. As the details became clear and the situation gained both local and national attention, everyone connected to our school community has been navigating a range of emotions—from sadness to anger, shock to heartbreak, and everything in between.
My heart breaks first and foremost for the victims and their families. The pain they have experienced is unimaginable, and they remain at the center of our concern. This situation has deeply affected our entire community. That includes the students involved, who have accepted responsibility and will face consequences under the District Code of Conduct. While we are not able to share specific details about student discipline due to privacy laws, I want to be clear that accountability is essential. So too is empathy, so that healing can begin for everyone.
From the outset of our investigation, we have approached this situation with compassion, integrity, and great care. Given the seriousness of the report we received, we immediately involved law enforcement. Since last Friday, we have been cooperating fully with the District Attorney and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department.
Throughout our internal process, we have used the term 'hazing' because it is the applicable charge under our District Code of Conduct. It refers to any behavior involving humiliation, embarrassment, or harmful group activity directed at another student. Hazing is both a violation of District policy and may also constitute criminal misconduct under New York State law.
To be clear, 'hazing' is the formal term available to us within the Code of Conduct to classify and address this behavior. The suggestion that we are downplaying what occurred by using that term is simply incorrect. This situation has both a criminal component and a Code of Conduct component, and both are being addressed with the seriousness they deserve.
As I have shared previously, any behavior that endangers the physical or emotional well-being of our students will continue to be addressed promptly and in accordance with our Code of Conduct. We remain committed to addressing issues directly and thoughtfully, and we will make the decisions necessary to uphold the values of our school community.
Unfortunately, some are using the events from last week to try to define us as a community. We know that isn't accurate or fair, but unfortunately, that is the world we live in. Our pain becomes fodder for talking points, comments, or criticism as people are quick to label everyone with one broad stroke as 'those kids' or 'that community.' We do not condone any of the behaviors from last week. What took place isn't who we are or what we stand for, and we will not allow it to define us.
While we cannot undo what has been done, we can decide how we respond—how we support those who are hurting, how we lift up one another, and how we each carry ourselves moving forward. We must rise above those who seek to tear us down and extend grace, even when it is not extended to us.
Moving forward also requires honest reflection and identifying what else we can do as a District, as a community, and as a society to eliminate behaviors like this. While I am proud of the work we do, there is more work to be done. In addition to the supports and programs we currently have in place district-wide to address hazing, bullying, and the social-emotional learning (SEL) needs of our students, we will expand the framework of supports to strengthen these areas.
We will coordinate with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) for additional training and resources for all coaches and student-athletes at every level. We will also work with OCM BOCES to increase staff training and learning opportunities for students and families related to hazing, bullying, peer pressure, and mental health. We will undergo a thorough review of our existing policies and practices. We are committed to growing stronger in all of these areas—and that work will take all of us. Students, staff, families, and community members must come together.
I want to express my gratitude to our high school administrators, athletic director, and varsity boys lacrosse coaches for their thoroughness, dedication, and complete cooperation throughout this investigation. They have worked around the clock since last week to support the process. As stated by the District Attorney, and based on all the evidence I have reviewed, there is no indication that anyone outside of the students involved had prior knowledge of what was going to occur. I also want to thank the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office for their continued partnership and support of schools in Central New York.
While this dark cloud hangs over us, we must choose to move forward. We have incredible students doing amazing things in every building, every day. The upcoming calendar is filled with concerts, athletic contests, award ceremonies, and celebrations—all showcasing the positive impact our students have on this community. Each of these is a moment of light, and I encourage everyone to embrace them.
This is the time for us to stand together in support of our students, staff, families, and one another. We will get through this—together.
Steve Dunham
Superintendent of Schools
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