A hazing incident at Cottage Grove High School is stirring up anger and controversy. As KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, a junior varsity football player says he was sexually assaulted with a broomstick in the presence of up to ten students.
The practice is called “brooming” and it’s been a national problem at schools for decades. In this case, the victim was hazed in the boy’s locker room, a violation of school policy. After the incident was reported by the victim and his family on September 30th, two male students were arrested.
Cottage Grove Police Chief Scott Shepherd has confirmed the account. Because all involved are juveniles, no names are being released. He says after discussions with a Lane County Juvenile Justice attorney, the two boys have been cited with physical harassment instead of sexual assault.
It’s also unknown if they were disciplined or removed from the football team, though Chief Shepherd says jail time or community service are possible.
Social media comments from locals show many are angry and incredulous over the incident.
Shepherd says there have been past reports of hazing at the school, but not to this degree.
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