Superintendent warns against threats

Band situation sparks online disputes

Disagreements broke out due to a planned change from the Sailorette uniforms to uniforms of majorettes.

After an online dispute broke out about Vermilion’s Sailor Marching Band, Vermilion Local Schools Superintendent Phil Pempin said the district will not tolerate harassment and threats to band advisers.

Pempin this month posted his own written warning to parents of students in the school district.

The disagreements broke out apparently due to a planned change from the high school Sailorette uniforms to uniforms of competition-level majorettes, according to the Vermilion Police Department. Pempin acknowledged that was the reason “people got that up in arms” over the situation.

Pempin said he “was saddened to hear that conversation on social media has resulted in our band and majorette advisors being harassed and receiving phone calls alluding to threats of bodily harm.”

“It appears this is related to an announced change in the routines and organization of the band for next year,” he said. “While we respect the right of parents and students to express opinions, and even criticize our staff, it is our expectation that your comments will not cross the line of civility, dignity and respect for others.”

In his written statement Pempin did not repeat exact details about the nature of the comments.

He also declined to release names and said he did not want to write a letter admonishing and entire group of people.

But the band leaders and all school staff deserve dignity and respect, even as the school workers acknowledge parents and members of the community may disagree with staff, the administration and school board, Pempin said.

The online letter was a reminder that threats of bodily harm or threatening to have someone’s job are “inappropriate and unacceptable,” he said.

The website vermilionbands.com also did not appear to have any record of the disputes. The band website had multiple events listed for the marching band but did not refer to the situation.

The school district will investigate any reported threats, including intimidation and harassment via telephone or social media, Pempin said. If there is evidence of harassing behavior, the school administration will take action to resolve the situation, he said.

The resulting discipline could include removing people from school events, suspending participation in activities for a season or a school year, suspension from school and referral to local police, the superintendent said.

“Parents and community members may also be banned from our facilities for actions that are deemed to be harmful or threatening to our students or staff members,” he said.

Meanwhile, the current band leadership as the full support and confidence of the administration, Pempin said.

“While we respect and honor tradition in Vermilion, we recognize that change is necessary and is in the best interest of our students,” he said. “Rest assured that tradition will be honored at football games and local events.

“However, there will be times when the group will require competition level uniforms and new skills that will lead them to success in other venues,” the superintendent said.

“The choice to participate in any extra-curricular activity remains with the student and his or her parent.”