EL DORADO HILLS, Calif — Law enforcement is investigating the Oak Ridge High School football team, Principal Aaron Palm said in a letter to parents.
"Please be assured that we are aware of the incident, are taking appropriate steps to investigate the facts, and will take appropriate disciplinary action where warranted," Palm wrote.
Palm sent the letter to parents on Friday, Aug. 4, but said the incident happened June 22. The last day of school was June 1.
The El Dorado Union High School District released a statement on the incident but didn't share many details.
"We can confirm Oak Ridge High School is investigating an incident regarding student behavior and discipline. Due to privacy rights of the individuals involved, we are unable to go into further detail at this time. We have been working with local law enforcement and are ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly investigated. We are committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students," the district wrote in a statement.
Though Palm did not share what the incident involved, he told parents the alleged conduct has no place in the school community. He said the school would be training student-athletes on ensuring a respectful team environment.
It is not clear how many members of the football team are involved.
Some football parents told ABC10, the investigation was launched because of an alleged hazing incident.
Some non-football parents, who did not want to appear on camera, were frustrated by the lack of transparency from the school. One parent told ABC10, she understands protecting the students involved, but it is important for parents to know enough to keep their kids safe too.
“When I received that email, I was more in shock the principal did not explain to the parents what really happened," said the Oak Ridge High parent. "I think they are trying to hide something for any reason and I don’t think it is fair.”
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office says they investigated criminal allegations which occurred at a football camp. But its investigation found the incident happened outside the area they cover.
The agency adds, the investigation was sent to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Nevada since it happened in their area.
The California Interscholastic Federation, which governs high school sports, tells ABC10, this incident is an internal school matter.
Oak Ridge High School had its first day of the 2023-2024 school year on Aug. 7. The first football game is set to be a non-league game on Aug. 18 against Spanish Springs High School.
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