 |
| Larry Busichio |
See the policy HERE.
During that review, CHS Athletic Director Larry Busichio took up the issue and addressed the board with a statement in which he defended the athletic department's actions, but also apologized if any student or parent felt mistreated.
See his statement below:
As the Athletic and Activities Director, I want all of our
athletes to have the best athletic experience that they could have here. Being the Athletic and Activities Director
at Columbia High School affords me the unique opportunity to grow a tremendous
program, and to do so with students representing as diverse a student body as
any in the country. Our commitment is
to run an athletic program free of discrimination on the basis of race, sexual
orientation, religion or any other protected category, as well as free of
harassment, intimidation and bullying.
In a very short period of time, and in large measure because
of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, there has been a sea change in how we
do business in athletics. We know now,
for example, that attitudes towards the use of language have changed
drastically….we will not tolerate from either coach or player any ethnic,
racial, or homophobic slurs. We will not
tolerate punitive measures as a means to instruct our student athletes. Our expectations for exemplary conduct extend
to all participants in our student-athletes’ lives: coaches, parents/guardians, fans and players
alike.
And to be very clear – on my watch -- any student who has a
concern or complaint about any adult associated with our programs need not fear
retribution of any kind.
To the extent that student athletes have not had the best
athletic experience – may have endured unnecessary pain – I am sincerely
sorry. On my watch, and with the
vigilance of Ms. Aaron and her administrative team, you can expect exemplary
conduct on the part of all participants in our programs. It bears emphasis that last year, Columbia
High School won the coveted NJSIAA Shopright Cup, which is given to the number
one athletic program in the state for Group 4. A major component of that prestigious award is exemplary sportsmanship,
which is illustrated by the fact that no Columbia sports team last year had any
disqualifications for unsportsmanlike conduct.
I don’t know if we will win the award again this year, and if we don’t win it, we will still be able
to boast a full sports season free of disqualifications.
Thank you for this opportunity to speak to you about the
Anti Bullying Bill of Rights Act and athletics.
No comments:
Post a Comment