Quote:
Originally posted by hoosier
TO: George Moffett - Pres
Principia College. Elsah, MO
<Lenor Suarez - AD> las@prin.edu,
<Brian Gavaletz - football coach> brg@prin.edu,
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Mission Statement:
Each member of the Principia College football team will strive daily to see his teammates and coaches as perfect ideas of God._ Through selfless giving, putting the needs of the team in front of personal goals, and seeking your own in another’s good, you will begin to see not only your coaches and teammates, but all mankind as God made them, perfect.
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For many years, I've been part of the effort to stop hazing on campuses, and I'm sure you also detest hazing.
Hazing is always hidden, of course, but someone has posted on the Webshots photo sharing site some terrible pictures of hazing on the Principia football team. No student deserves to be treated like this.
I hope that you will take appropriate action to stop this conduct.
The website is likely to disappear as soon as my email arrives, so I am sending three pictures attached, and will send more pictures in two addl. emails.
I hope you'll let me know what action is taken.
http://community.webshots.com/album/435310940vQdqnZ
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Principia replies:
Dear Sir,
I understand and appreciate your concern about hazing on campuses. The case in question at Principia College and the football team here is not such a case that needs concern though. I posted those pictures and assure you that hazing was only poor word choice in description of the album you saw I appologize for any confusion. My school, coaches and teammates as well as myself do not promote hazing in any way. Some players chose not to participate and were not forced into any situation they were not comfortable in. The haircuts were a fun and voluntary way to get to know the other incoming football players and veterans on the team. I look back on that time as a fun night and one of my fondest memories of many that I have made so far at this great school.
Sincerly,
Patrick Nichols
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Thanks for you note. Iíve already heard from our head coach, Brian Gavaletz, who has spoken to the players. Here is his response:
"I want to assure you that there has been no hazing going on with our football team. I was not present when the team had this hair cutting party during sports camp. However, I spoke with the captains the next day about the hair cuts and they said that no one was made to get a haircut and that some chose not to participate. Those who did, did so willingly. I asked several of the freshmen about it and they did not feel any pressure about the haircuts and had a fun time with them. After that, I let it go because I did not feel there was any wrong doing."
I hope this helps answer your question. I'm grateful you felt free to write.
With best regards.
George Moffett
College President
Principia College
Elsah, IL_ 62028