UCO Cheer Team Suspended Over Hazing Incident

The University of Central Oklahoma Cheer Team has been suspended through the end of the 2020-2021 school year for hazing, the university and ucentralmedia.com reported.

The university said the cheer team will be suspended through the end of the school year. A letter from UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar, states that the UCO cheer team will not be allowed to participate in national competitions for two years after an investigation into hazing allegations.

“Recently, the university was made aware of reports of hazing on the UCO cheer team,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said. “Reports of hazing are approached swiftly and with great concern for the safety and well-being of our students.”

UCO said the incident, which occurred in August 2020, was reported as part of a team survey in late February. An investigation into the incident was immediately started.

UCO has not released the names of any athletes but says those responsible could be removed from the team. The university said it is an ongoing investigation.