DUNDEE, Mich. – The Dundee Community Schools’ wrestling program has been placed on a three-year probation following a hazing investigation.
In a letter to the community on Oct. 25, Superintendent Scott Leach detailed the next steps for the school’s wrestling program following the investigation.
Hazing investigation
Dundee Community Schools launched an investigation in May into the hazing and assault allegations.
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In a letter to students, staff, and families, Superintendent Scott Leach said in May that the district opened the investigation following an anonymous complaint.
Since the investigation began, the district paused all wrestling-related school activities.
Two Title IX investigations, led by the Thrun Law Firm, were then initiated, and local law enforcement began conducting its own parallel investigation.
Title IX investigations finding
According to Leach, in a letter to the community, the Title IX Decision-Maker in both investigations determined that “the actions in question did not constitute Title IX violations.”
Next steps
According to Leach, coaches are now required to complete National Federation of State High School Associations training on bullying, hazing, inappropriate behavior, student mental health and suicide prevention.
For overnight trips, students are now prohibited from entering any hotel room other than their assigned room.
During the first two years of probation, the district and the wrestling program will not provide lodging for any tournaments that require overnight stays.
All student-athletes in the wrestling program will have to participate in approved community service activities as part of the probation requirements.
If all expectations are met, Leach said the district may consider lifting the lodging restriction in the third year.
“I want to emphasize that these incidents do not reflect the values or character of the vast majority of our Viking students and student-athletes, who continue to represent our community with integrity, sportsmanship, and honor every day,” said Leach.