SANTA ANA, Calif. (KNX) — Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana has announced a plan to commission an independent investigation into allegations of hazing in its football program. One incident implicated a current Mater Dei player who reportedly punched another teammate, 50 pounds lighter than him, multiple times in the face during such a ritual in February.
The injured student, who has been suspended from Mater Dei in the wake of the altercation, claimed to have suffered brain damage and is suing the school, alleging negligence and a coverup.
Community members and alumni have called on school administrators and the Orange County diocese to fire football coach Bruce Rollinson and principal Frances Clare, both implicated by the injured student in orchestrating the alleged coverup.
“Let me assure you, that those of you who expressed concern as to how the school would respond — I’ve heard you,” Mater Dei President Walter Jenkins wrote in a letter circulated to parents.
Jenkins said an outside firm would be conducting an investigation into the matter and how adults at the school handled the fallout. It will provide him with “findings and recommendations for any necessary improvements.”
The firm’s name will be revealed in a future letter from Jenkins’ office.
Recommendations are expected to be delivered to Jenkins by June 2022. The president also said he would be holding meetings with students about their concerns, and a town hall-style event with parents in the spring.
The Santa Ana Police Department will also be present at Mater Dei next week to conduct “an extensive assessment of our vulnerabilities and make recommendations.”
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