The pep fest for homecoming was cancelled Friday once again due to hazing on class color day. Even though class color day was replaced with tie-dye day this spirit week, students wore their class colors, and tensions built as the “Walk of Shame” and a mob on the balcony formed after 5th hour.

The official reason for the cancellation is, according to Principal Cecilia Saddler, unsafe behavior. Saddler described the several breaches of safety as including security’s inability to move through the crowd, students being afraid and hiding out, and injuries suffered by more than fifty students.

“It’s sad because we want to create a positive, safe learning environment,” said Saddler, while describing the activities as hazing and aggressive behavior.

Senior and Student Council member Tomo Sencer-Mura attributes the reason he was a part of class color day and the activities that came with it to tradition. “My sister participated when she went to South, my brother participated in it,” he said. “I just don’t feel like it was that big of a deal.”

“Yes, as seniors we’re supposed to be responsible,” continued Sencer-Mura, “but I feel it could have been a lot worse.”

Nicole Schneider, teacher and advisor of Student Council thinks it was bad enough. “I will support administration’s decision,” she said about the cancellation. “The way people act is inappropriate and they need consequences.”

Saddler emphasized that students who participate in hazing need to learn that “our actions impact others.”

“I don’t think it was a necessary punishment,” said Student Council chair member Lena Pelini.

“Class color day is very different from hazing,” Pelini continued, emphasizing that she was not opposed to class color day but was opposed to the hazing and behavior that went on. “There are better ways to show off you’re a senior,” she said.

“It’s the hardest decision to cancel an event for students,” lamented Saddler. “So many people worked hard for this. It makes it a bittersweet day.”