Schools
Crowd Packs D-207 Board Meeting About Coaches in Hazing Investigation
Current and former Maine West High School students spoke in support of two teachers on paid leave, pending the results of D-207's investigation into bullying and hazing allegations.
Hundreds of community members filled the Maine Township High School District 207 boardroom in Park Ridge Wednesday as the school board met to discuss personnel matters related to the bullying and hazing investigation at Maine West High School in Des Plaines.
Approximately a dozen current and former Maine West students, and one parent, addressed board members in support of Michael Divincenzo and Emilio Rodriguez, both teachers and coaches at the Des Plaines high school.
A 2012 Maine West alum who spoke to the board on Wednesday night, Tait Jensen, said he played soccer under the supervision of Coaches Divincenzo and Rodriguez for three years.
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Jensen said the environment the two coaches promoted was one of respect, and they would not condone the bullying and hazing acts described in the lawsuit filed by four parents of current and former Maine West students.
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