Kent Island High School has suspended the junior varsity men's lacrosse team for the remainder of the season, forfeiting all future games for the 2018, including Friday's 4:00 p.m. game.
"While not all players were involved, a significant number were actively or passively engaged in highly inexcusable behavior," said a statement from the Queen Anne's County Board of Education.
"This type of behavior will not be tolerated for any athletic team or student group within Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. The behavior on the video, which was witnessed by thousands of people via social media and the news media is not condoned and will not be ignored,” states Dr. Kane, Superintendent of Schools.
The controversy stems from a video in which it appears a player was held down while another player rubs his bare buttocks and genitals on the subdued player's face. The event has caused public outcry, with some pushing for harsher penalties and a sexual assault investigation.
The statement from the board of education also says:
It is important for the public to know that matters involving specific students are subject to federal privacy laws (FERPA), therefore details of the investigation cannot be disclosed. It is the goal of the school system to handle this matter justly; with respect and compassion toward the victim and with fairness toward all involved.
The board of education goes on to say the safety and well-being of the students is the main concern of the Queen Anne's County Public School System.