Excerpt from the Buffalo News story and link to larger story
The case has sent shock waves through much of Wilson, though some in the district have told police and The Buffalo News that hazing has been part of district sports for years.
Cummings said the investigation is taking time because troopers have been interviewing the 30 students on the bus, and in some cases, reinterviewing them. He said investigators also have been talking with “three to five†adults who were on the bus to determine why they were unaware of what was happening.
“This is an opportunity for the students and the school . . . to make sure our children are not subjected to criminal behavior in our schools anymore,†Cummings said.
Any parent or student with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to call police at 434-5588.
“The School Board is very concerned,†School Board President Timothy F. Kropp said. “But we are taking the part of ‘wait and see’ what the investigation produces. To pass judgment now is very premature, and we can’t do that.â€
Kropp said the decision to suspend the coaches was made by the superintendent. Those decisions are expressly within the purview of the superintendent’s duties, Kropp said, adding that the board is responsible for reviewing those decisions.
“We set policy for the district, and we maintain policy,†Kropp said. “This is all a policy issue.â€
Kropp acknowledged hearing the “rumors and speculation going around†suggesting that hazing is not new to Wilson, but he said that no such behavior has yet been confirmed.