Dundee Community,
At Dundee Community Schools, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority. We are also deeply committed to transparency and keeping our entire Viking community informed.
Last spring, the district initiated Title IX investigations into two separate allegations of hazing and inappropriate conduct involving members of the wrestling team.
An independent third-party law firm conducted both investigations on the district’s behalf. In both cases, the Title IX Decision-Maker determined that the actions in question did not constitute Title IX violations. The district administration addressed the conduct of all students involved and issued disciplinary action to those student-athletes currently attending Dundee schools, consistent with the seriousness of their behavior and the district’s code of conduct. The district also fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies throughout the process.
To help ensure a safe and respectful environment for all student-athletes, the district has reinforced expectations across every athletic program. Coaches and staff have been reminded that student-athletes must be under direct supervision at all times. We now require all coaches to complete National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) training on bullying, hazing, inappropriate behavior, student mental health, and suicide prevention. For overnight trips, a strict rule now prohibits students from entering any hotel room other than their assigned room. Additionally, all student-athletes must complete online training annually on bullying, hazing, and inappropriate conduct — including how to report misconduct.
The wrestling program has been placed on a three-year probation. Before the season begins, the head coach must submit a supervision plan detailing how student-athletes will be monitored at all times — during practices, competitions, and while traveling on district-provided transportation. This plan must receive administrative approval.
During the first two years of probation, the district and the wrestling program will not provide lodging for any tournaments requiring overnight stays. All student-athletes in our wrestling program must also participate in approved community service activities as part of the probation requirements. If all expectations are met, the district may consider lifting the lodging restriction in the third year.
Finally, I want to emphasize that these incidents do not reflect the values or character of the vast majority of our Viking students and student-athletes, who continue to represent our community with integrity, sportsmanship, and honor every day.
Sincerely,
Scott Leach
Superintendent
Dundee Community Schools