Police investigate student hazing at Catholic HS in Milwaukee

St. Francis police are investigating an incident of hazing at Thomas More High School, according to a statement from police and a letter to school parents, and the police statement suggests it involved sexual assault.

The incident involves members of the school's football team, according to the letter to parents from Mark Joerres, the school's chief administrator. The letter was sent to the Journal Sentinel by the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

In a release Friday headed "Sexual Assault Child-Other," police said a preliminary investigation was started into "possible hazing incidents" among students at a Thomas More athletic program.

"The alleged actions of several students are being viewed as criminal in nature," says the release, which refers to a single victim.

The school's letter said police were called in after school officials met with the students involved and their parents. It added that the students have been suspended during the investigation, and that hazing "could be grounds for expulsion."

"Such behavior is not tolerable in a Catholic school environment and is inconsistent with every value of St. Thomas More High School," the letter said.

MJS