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It was a week from hell at Wall Township High School, where hazing allegations are rocking the football program and a separate sexual assault scandal may be about to unfold. (Patti Sapone / NJ.com)
Good morning, New Jersey. I have a question: What the hell is happening at Wall Township High School?
I mean it -- it was a pretty busy week, and keeping up with the cascading developments at the Monmouth County school was tough. But if it was busy for me, our reporters were busier. Let's catch up.
On Tuesday, we first reported the story about hazing allegations inside the football program. The details were disturbing: A younger player allegedly held down and taunted by a group of older students. Parents said a video showed one of the assailants with a mop or broomstick.
The playoff game that would have seen Wall face South Jersey's Delsea Regional last night was quickly canceled. At least three coaches and staff members are on leave, and law enforcement is investigating. The Thanksgiving game is in doubt.
Gov. Murphy and politicians of both parties denounced the alleged hazing incident, but there's little they can do at the moment. New anti-hazing laws that toughen punishment for people and programs that abuse their own won't take effect until March.
The week wasn't done with Wall High School.
On Thursday, Matt Stanmyre and Steve Strunsky reported on a different, yet equally disturbing, set of accusations. According to their story, allegations of sexual assault unrelated to the alleged football hazing are underway by law enforcement.
Wall's board of education is planning a meeting Tuesday night, where these issues will likely be discussed. You know our reporters will be there to bring you the latest.
It's crucial to note here that Wall High School has more than 1,000 students and dozens of teachers, coaches, staff and administration. And if all of these potential allegations turn out to be true, it wouldn't involve or impugn the vast majority of those who attend and work there.
But for a football program which is famous for its "culture," it hints at the need for a larger reckoning about student safety within the school community.
We'd all prefer to believe that after high-profile hazing cases like the death of Timothy Piazza, and the vicious locker-room incident that led to criminal charges against seven Sayreville players, that something will change. And maybe it will, once criminal penalties are increased under the new law.
We'll see. And we'll keep bringing you developments on this situation.
Also this week, a Veterans Day story, that's no lady(bug), hospital safety, how men stay in charge, and a wayward antique painting: A FATHER, A SON A WAR: Before we move on from Veterans Day, I hope you'll read Keith Sargeant's moving, deeply personal piece about discovering the Vietnam heroism his father never spoke about. It's worth your time, and a subscription.
A BUG TO WATCH FOR: Noticing lots of ladybugs near your home or in the yard? Take a closer look -- they might be the nearly-identical ladybeetle, who is much less cute and harmless than the familiar red-and-black bug.
HOSPITAL GRADES: How safe is your local hospital? Susan Livio has the details on a report card ranking every one of New Jersey's 70 acute care hospitals, and see how yours did. Spoiler: Nobody flunked. So that's good.
SAME AS THE OLD BOSS: For all the ground-shifting change happening in Trenton after the election, it'll still be a bunch of white guys in charge. As this Star-Ledger editorial reminds, Democrats betray their real commitment to diversity in the leadership they pick and who's allowed in the room. WHOOPS MY BAD: The public library in Belleville had a lovely, 200-year-old landscape painting of the town on display, before it was moved into the mayor's office. It's now headed to a five-year loan at Rutgers' Zimmerli Art Museum in New Brunswick.
Finally, the Nov. 2 elections are officially over. Jack Ciattarelli offered a buoyant, gracious concession announcement Friday afternoon. He's focusing on the future and says he'll seek the governor's office again in four years. We'll see him again before that.
Steve Sweeney conceded the 3rd District Senate race on Tuesday afternoon after Edward Durr's stunning upset. Sweeney looked a bit stunned as he stood before reporters to acknowledge Durr's victory, but he pledged to remain involved in state politics.
As for Durr, he's still a bit stunned, himself: "I feel like I'm going to throw up" is a pretty relatable vibe to anyone facing a large group of reporters -- not to mention a huge new job in the public eye -- for the first time.
See you next Saturday, friends.
P.S.: Farewell to a state basketball legend, Camden's Ron "Itchy" Smith. He passed away at 79.
Amy Z. Quinn Audience Editor
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