Towson University Will Not Detail Hazing Allegations Against Cheerleading Team
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ)— Case closed. Towson University will not reveal the exact details behind hazing allegations against its award-winning cheerleading team.
The university says the incident report is a confidential student record protected against disclosure under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
The hazing allegations surfaced Aug. 7, launching an investigation that initially resulted in a full 2013-2014 academic year suspension. But on Sept. 3, the team submitted a written appeal, and an appeals committee lessened the team's punishment on Sept. 10.
The team will now have social probation for the fall semester, which means no cheering at games, but they can practice.
The squad must complete 650 hours of community service by January and special education sessions.
New members of the squad will not have to participate in community service but must join the entire team in the three educational sessions.
The student handbook defines hazing as any action to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.
The cheerleading team can make a final appeal to the university's president before Sept. 17 but has decided not to do so.
Therefore, the university says the manner is now resolved.
