(Cleveland) - 17 students at Saint Ignatius High School have been suspended, and the school's varsity lacrosse team will not take part in this weekend's MSCLA Tournament, after Saint Ignatius administration learned about an off-campus gathering involving lacrosse team members. The event involved underage drinking, hazing, and conduct unbefitting of athletes at the all-boys school in the Ohio City neighborhood.
Saint Ignatius officials say that at no time were any students physically at risk, but the school says this was contrary to the school's values.
This is the statement from the school:
Saint Ignatius High School administration was recently made aware of an off-campus gathering of some members of the varsity lacrosse team. An investigation was immediately launched. Unfortunately, the investigation revealed that underage drinking, hazing, and conduct unbefitting of Saint Ignatius student-athletes occurred. This behavior in no way aligns with the mission of our school. As a result, 17 students are being suspended, and the varsity lacrosse team will not participate in this weekend’s MSCLA Tournament.
Hazing activities vary in severity and exist along a continuum. While the behavior at the gathering was grossly inappropriate, at no time was the physical safety of a student at risk. That said, these are serious violations of school policy and are contrary to our values as a community, and will not be tolerated. The care, safety and well being of our students are always our top priority.
(Copyright 2021, iHeartMedia)
Listen to WTAM for news at the top and bottom of the hour