As the Tamaqua Area School District continues to handle and investigate a "hazing" incident, as the school district calls it, parents and district members are beginning to make their voices heard.
The first school board meeting where the public was allowed to speak, in regards to an incident at the school district, was held Tuesday evening.
The incident in question occurred Thursday, October 4th, 2021, and resulted in the school district forfeiting their District XI Semi-Final Football game against North Schuylkill.
The incident, which is being called "Hazing" involved players on the team and later resulted in the suspension of 3 students for 10 days from school with hearing before the board expected within the next week.
During Wednesday's board we learned 1 of those 3 students involved, an 11th grader, has been expelled.
Tamaqua Board President said "We are dealing with it judiciously, expeditiously, and they'll be justice according to the proceeds set out by the department and the school board".
One of the last people to speak at the meeting was the victim's father, who asked for the community to allow time for a proper investigation.
"This has been a very difficult time, not just for my son but that I have to sit on my hands and do what I do for a living. I trust this borough's police department, I trust this school board, I trust these administrators. The lines of communication have been open." the father said.
"Everybody needs to slow down for a second. This is a lengthy process. This is going to take some time. Please let these folks [pointing at the school board] do these jobs, let the police do their jobs. The last thing I want is for those responsible not held accountable because there was a rush to judgment before an entire investigation could be completed," the father added.
Many others spoke at the meeting which lasted almost an hour and was attended by several dozen people.
Those speaking focused on the culture of the school district and how the district is going to prevent this type of incident from happening again.
