Chris Lange, FISM News
Shocking images of scantily-clad male high school students giving school staff members “lap-dances” at a homecoming event in Hazard, Kentucky, have prompted an investigation by the school district.
The images, which were posted on social media, show Hazard High School staff members smiling, clapping, and laughing as the teens performed up-close, sexually-suggestive dances for them. Among the staff involved is Principal Donald Mobeline who also serves as the mayor of Hazard. Photos also show female students wearing Hooters t-shirts and carrying fake beer. The photos have since been removed from the Hazard High School Athletics Facebook page where they were originally posted.
Hazard Independent Superintendent Sondra Combs on Wednesday issued an apology for the incident, saying “Our district would like to apologize for the activity that has been portrayed in the media and we regret how this has unfolded. This is not the type of event that typically occurs here at Hazard High School, and we sincerely regret any embarrassment this has caused our school community.” Combs also confirmed that the incident is being investigated. “Once the investigation is complete, appropriate action will be taken,” she said.
School officials came under a barrage of criticism as the images began circulating on social media. One person tweeted “EVERY faculty member at this SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENT should be terminated,” along with the disturbing photos from the event.
Nema Brewer, a co-founder of the public education group Ky. 120 United, blasted school staff for “sexualizing young adults” in an interview with Lexington’s Herald Leader. “Public education is under so much fire right now. This kind of stuff is not helpful. In fact, it’s disgusting,” she said.
“We are aware of what took place in Hazard Independent Schools and have been in contact with the superintendent, who has informed us that the incident in question is under investigation,” said Toni Konz Tatman, a spokeswoman for the Kentucky Department of Education Wednesday.
Mobeline, according to the article, was also the subject of a 2008 investigation into two, separate alcohol-related incidents involving students.