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RYE, N.Y. — The felony charges lodged against three Rye High School juniors in a hazing incident involving a group of Rye Middle School eighth-graders has created stir in town.
Is there a tradition of hazing in Rye?
View ResultsMuch of the conversation revolved around whether Rye has a tradition of hazing. Resident Suki Van Dijk said on Facebook although it has been happening for years, last week's incident was an anomaly.
"Freshman Friday has existed for all the time we've been here (18 yrs) but I don't ever remember hearing about violence before - some scattered silly scaring (mostly of younger brothers) was always the norm. It's a shame that the bad acts of a few kids is being used in this way," Van Dijk said.
The three students charged last Monday were Max Meyerson, 16, Sean Pinson, 17, and Tristan Scragg, 17.
Rye High School graduate and resident Barbara Marino-Gulotta called the incident a "disgrace."
The district has know about the tradition for years, Rye Daily Voice commenter "heartsonginc" said .
"The middle school has sent warning letters over the years to families warning them about it. Very disheartening to see how the "District" is now trying to distance itself from something they could have helped to prevent. Blind eye until something serious happens. Shame on you!" 'heartsonginc' said.
Rye Daily Voice commenter Catherine L. said bullying and hazing must to stop and said the district is responsible.
"The High School had a responsibility to meet with our kids and talk to them since they knew about it. They also should have notified us so we could have made educated and informed decisions," she said. "We cannot protect our own kids if we don't know about these rituals and traditions."
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