Report alleges hazing at Rowan Co. HS

MOREHEAD, Ky. (WTVQ) – A 16-page report from the Office of Education Accountability (OEA) reveals complaints of hazing and bullying  in both the Rowan Co. High School football team and girls’ soccer program.

The OEA completed their investigation this month.

The report details beatings and concussions suffered by Rowan Co. High School football players during the 2014-2015  and 2016-2016 school year.  According to the report the concussions happened during practice and were inflicted by senior players upon underclassmen.

The complaint was reported to the team’s coach, Ray Graham, who failed to notify Superintendent Marvin Moore and Principal Ray Ginter, according to the report.  The coach denies that claim.

Moore and Ginter are accused of failing to provide a “safe environment” in the athletics program.

The OEA made several recommendations to address the issues, including that Superintendent Moore obtain a ‘Safe School Assessment’ from the Kentucky Center for Safe Schools.

Moore, Principal Ginter and all athletic directors must complete three hours of training by mid August.  That training is scheduled to be completed by all principals in Rowan Co. by September 1st.

Superintendent Moore says he wants to see this “dark cloud” removed from the school in fairness to all athletes involved in the program.  In a statement he said, “We always put kids first.  We take all concerns very seriously.  Both Doctor Ginter and I provided documentation showing that we addressed each of the concerns in questions.  This is a personnel issue that was addressed as soon as it was brought to our attention.”

ABC 36 has also reached out to Principal Ginter who was not available for comment.