Pennsylvania lawmaker seeks to classify hazing as child abuse after high school football hazing incident
A Pennsylvania lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would classify hazing as child abuse and require mandated reporters to report suspected cases, according to the memo.
Video above: Cheltenham High School coaches, players accused of locker room hazing
State Rep. Napoleon Nelson, a Democrat representing Montgomery County’s 154th District, announced the proposal on Tuesday.
Bill would expand reporting requirements
Under Pennsylvania law, people who work with children are required to report suspected child abuse involving adults and certain juveniles immediately. However, Nelson expressed that hazing is not classified as child abuse under state law.
Nelson said that gap can make it harder to hold schools accountable when employees fail to report hazing.
“By classifying hazing as a reportable offense under Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporting laws, this bill would acknowledge the degree of harm that hazing causes and ensure adequate accountability and remedies,” Nelson said.
Proposal follows high school hazing incident
The proposal follows a grand jury investigation into locker-room hazing involving Cheltenham High School’s football team. Four coaches and six players were charged in the case.
Authorities said a 15-year-old player was restrained, kicked, stomped on and poked with a broomstick in sensitive areas during two incidents. Investigators said one incident was recorded and the video circulated at school.
“The assaults on this victim were not the typical goofing around by teammates or horseplay,” Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said. “They were crimes.”
The head coach and three assistant coaches were charged with endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy. Two players who were 18 at the time were also charged, along with four juvenile players.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele spoke at a press conference addressing the hazing incident
Coaches accused of concealing allegations
Prosecutors said the coaches knew about the incidents but tried to keep them quiet to protect the football season. Authorities said the coaches also failed to properly notify school administrators or the victim’s mother.
“This has to be handled and kept quiet,” one coach wrote in a text message cited by prosecutors. “It’s just like hazing. I’m telling you, if this gets out, they could put the whole team in jeopardy.”
Steele also criticized the school administration’s response. “The grand jury took care of what the school did not,” he said.
The Cheltenham School District ended its 2025 football season early and canceled the following season.
The legislation has not yet been submitted for introduction.
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