WHARTON — The University Interscholastic League says it is monitoring the investigation into the Sept. 24 incident involving Wharton High School and Sterling High School football players and has been in contact with administrators from both school districts.
In a response to Wharton Post, UIL Communications Manager Julia Zachary said the incident is currently being handled at the local level by Wharton ISD and Houston ISD.
“The schools are investigating and taking disciplinary action as they deem appropriate,” Zachary said.
UIL said that once the schools complete their investigations, a report will be submitted to the local District Executive Committee, which will determine whether any additional measures are necessary.
Zachary said UIL will continue gathering information and monitoring the situation as that process moves forward.
The response provides the clearest indication so far of how the incident is being handled beyond the individual school districts.
Wharton ISD previously said it was addressing student conduct concerns connected to the incident and was working with law enforcement and other appropriate authorities.
The district has not publicly disclosed how many Wharton students have been disciplined or what disciplinary action has been taken, citing confidentiality and student privacy requirements.
A Sterling alumni Facebook page has claimed that 12 Sterling varsity football players were suspended for two games following the incident. However, UIL did not confirm that number or the reported length of the suspensions in its response to Wharton Post.
UIL also did not say how many Wharton players, if any, have been suspended.
For now, the investigation remains at the local level, but the eventual report to the District Executive Committee could determine whether additional action is taken beyond discipline already issued by the schools.
WISD board meeting set
The Wharton ISD Board of Trustees is also scheduled to hold a special meeting Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m., where the Sept. 24 incident is expected to be discussed.
The matter is expected to be taken up in closed session, with time also provided for public comment.
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