Southampton School District Sets Up Hotline in Light of Locker Room Incident

Following an accusation of misconduct by football players in the locker room at Southampton High School, the school district has set up an anonymous hotline to make complaints. 

The hotline has been operational since Nov. 8, according to Amy Pierson, the school district communications specialist. Students or parents can report concerns about "unsafe situations involving our students," according to a statement on the district website. Parents were notified of the hotline's existence.

Southampton High School’s varsity football team forfeited its last game of the season earlier this month because of an incident in the locker room that was reported to police. According to a 27East report, two boys on the team held down a third boy and pretended to perform a sexual act on him after practice on Oct. 30. 

The Mariners forfeited a game against Bishop Mercy-McGann Monarchs on Nov. 1. At the time, school Superintendent Scott Farina said only that the forfeiture was only in connection to disciplinary issues, and that the school could not safely field a team for the game.

Newsday reported on Wednesday that Southampton Village police have concluded their investigation, characterizing it as a "hazing" incident, and the alleged victim did not want to press charges. 

In a statement, Farina said Thursday that the school's investigation has also been concluded. 

"The district followed all proper protocols in conducting its own investigation, which included an investigation from a Title IX Compliance Officer. The investigation has been completed, appropriate disciplinary actions were taken and now this incident is behind us and the healing process has begun," he said. He would not comment further about disciplinary actions against the students or personnel. 

To address the situation, "the physical set-up of the locker room" was changed to allow for better supervision, Farina said. After=school activity policies are being reviewed, too. 

As for the hotline, no caller identification will be used. Administrators will review the messages and direct follow up. "When leaving a message, please state specific information about what you are reporting.  Be sure to include the school site you are talking about and as much information as you feel comfortable with," the district said on its website.

The anonymous hotline is 631-591-4540.

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