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OH - SNAP calls for action at Steubenville High
Posted by Judy Jones on December 19, 2012 ·
A lengthy New York Times story this week provides chilling details about
the rape of a girl and the inadequate response to that crime by Steubenville
school officials.
After reading about this case, we cannot help but see
some parallels between this situation and that which occurred at Penn State.
Although the crimes are different, it is a fact of both cases that in each there
is a definite mystique around the football program and a cult of personality
surrounding the coach (Paterno at PSU, and Reno Saccoccia in Steubenville). In
both cases, the love of football has prevented the proper investigation into the
alleged rape and the punishment of those involved.
We call on the school
board to suspend Coach Saccoccia for his behavior. The fact that he has refused
to take any real disciplinary steps towards the football players that either
witnessed or in some way abetted the alleged rape is disturbing, and his
treatment of the New York Times journalist who spoke to him about the case is
frightening. His actions are indicative of someone who cares more about their
win-loss record than about the young people they are supposed to be
improving.
We also urge the school board to examine the actions of
Superintendant Michael McVey and Principal Shawn Crosier. We are disappointed
that they left all disciplinary decisions up to Coach Saccoccia, and the fact
that they failed to follow up with any of the students in attendance at the
party where the alleged rape occurred is distressing.
This sad case has all
the tell tale signs of an attempted cover-up, and our hearts ache for the victim
in this case who has been subjected to undue scrutiny and blame. We hope that
the added attention on Steubenville High School will result in justice for the
victim, repercussions for the alleged rapists, and accountability for
Steubenville officials.
Read
the story here...
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