The Lehman High School baseball team will be permitted to complete its season despite an ongoing investigation into serious allegations of bullying among certain team members. This decision was announced by the Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) following discussions between district officials and the parents of the students involved.
Initially, the district had indicated that both the varsity and junior varsity teams would have to forfeit their remaining games due to concerns about player participation amidst the investigation. However, after listening to the parents’ grievances, the district reassessed its stance.
“The parents were understandably very upset. After further consideration of the parents’ case, the district has determined that they are correct and that the Lehman baseball season should continue with players who are not implicated,” stated a district representative. Hays CISD Chief Communication Officer Tim Savoy emphasized the importance of not penalizing students who were not involved in any wrongdoing, noting that sufficient players have been identified to keep the teams operational.
While the district has opted to allow the season to continue, it remains firm on the seriousness of the bullying allegations. “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,” Savoy remarked. He went on to highlight that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the entire student body, praising the many dedicated athletes at Lehman High School.
A critical component of the investigation is a video that reportedly depicts behavior that contravenes expected student conduct and may even breach legal standards. As a result of the investigation, ten students have been suspended, and one staff member has been placed on administrative leave.
According to Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright, the investigation is focused on a “potentially serious pattern of bullying” involving various members of the baseball program. The concerns were initially raised by parents to the campus administration and school resource officer on April 7.
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into these troubling claims. In the meantime, Friday’s scheduled games have been canceled, but the district confirmed that the remaining four games over the next few weeks will proceed as planned, featuring at least a varsity team and potentially a junior varsity team, contingent on player availability.
