UPDATE: Towson Cheer Squad Appeals Hazing Suspension (VIDEO)

We recently reported on the story of the Towson cheerleading squad that was suspended for an entire academic year after being accused of hazing a student. The team is a champion squad, nationally recognized for its talent. The suspension was enacted on August 23, 2013. Now, as of September 4, the cheer squad, which includes 30 cheerleaders, has appealed the suspension.Still, details about the hazing incident have not been revealed. The school has kept its lips sealed on the issue, refusing to comment on the matter in detail. It is uncertain whether the entire team was involved or just a few individuals. Regardless, the school is following the athletic mantra that there is no “I” in team. Even if one cheerleader was the hazer, the entire team is responsible.As the case has gained traction at Towson , students are voicing their opinions. Many believe an entire team shouldn’t be suspended; instead, it should only be the guilty individuals. The cheerleaders will have their chance to fight against the suspension on Friday, September 6, when the team argues the appeal before a panel of students, faculty, and staff.Check out the news video below about the appeal: You can read more about the appeal by visiting CBS Baltimore.You can read the original story below, or click here: At length, we’ve discussed bullying and hazing and how “un-spirited” it is. Many coaches have a no tolerance policy because hazing or bullying can seriously affect a squad. Now, we have a real-life example of how much trouble hazing can cause for a cheer squad. The cheerleaders at Towson , who are part of an award-winning squad, have all been suspended for alleged hazing, as of August 23.The suspension is nothing to take lightly. For an entire school year, the cheerleaders will hang up their cheerleading uniform and poms. This is the first time an entire team has been suspended for such an incident. Supposedly, someone anonymously reporting the hazing incident in early August. Launching an investigation, the university released a statement saying, “hazing in any form will not be tolerated by Towson . We hold high expectations for all of our students and their conduct as leaders, both on and off campus.”There is no word on what the hazing incident was or how the university came to its final decision. While no one yet knows whether the suspension was academic or just athletic, but either way the team is planning to appeal the suspension.Like Towson, many schools have a no tolerance policy for hazing. In 2011, a drum major at Florida A&M died from a hazing incident. While suspension may seem extreme, hazing can be fatal, even if the intentions are somewhat innocent. Remember cheerleaders, there’s no such thing as “funny” or “playful” hazing or bullying. Picking on an individual or group of individuals is hurtful and dangerous to the victims. One move too far can cost a life or ruin your own.Check out the video coverage of the incident below:News Source: Baltimore SunNow tell us: do you think the entire team should suffer for one teammate’s mistake? How far should a team’s responsibility for one another extend?