Hazing at Robertson leads to suspensions

From the AP.

Three Robertson High School football players suspended
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- A hearing officer has suspended three of six Robertson High School students accused of hazing during a football training camp.
June Romero, a hearing officer hired by a law firm to handle the case for the Las Vegas public school district, issued the ruling Tuesday, said Rick Romero, district superintendent and no relation.
She was continuing the hearing Wednesday for a fourth football player. Hearings have yet to be scheduled for the other two football players.
The six juniors on the Cardinals football team were suspended last month while state police and district officials investigated allegations of hazing against six freshmen during the four-day preseason camp northwest of Las Vegas.
"The board policies they are accused of violating are hazing, initiation, sexual harassment and physical assault," Rick Romero said.
The district has a zero-tolerance policy for verbal and physical assault, and he said the allegations made by some of the football players point to "a very serious form of bullying."
No criminal charges have been filed.
Richard Lopez, the high school's principal, decided there was enough evidence to recommend expelling the six juniors.
If the hearing officer decides to expel them, they can appeal her decision to the Las Vegas school board, the superintendent said.
He said no more training camps will be held out of town while he is superintendent.
Mike Yara, the district's athletic director, has been reinstated after he was placed on paid leave following the allegations.
"Mike Yara handled this matter very appropriately given the information he had," Rick Romero said.
Robertson football coach Ray Woods and his three assistants also were placed on leave.
 
Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com