Officials in the Marlboro Central School District are investigating a “serious allegation” made against a varsity baseball player who is said to have used “inflammatory and derogatory name-calling related to an opposing player’s sexuality” during a recent game.

A post on the district’s Facebook page said the administration has begun an internal investigation into the alleged incident. “If the investigation warrants, there will be immediate and appropriate consequences.”

A statement released by Superintendent Michael Brooks reads:
“Hate of any kind is unacceptable, immoral and goes against all that we as a District believe, live and teach.”

“We have been made aware of a serious allegation made against an individual on our Varsity Baseball team. It is alleged that inflammatory and derogatory name-­‐calling related to an opposing player’s sexuality was used during a recent game.”

“We have already begun an internal DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) investigation into the alleged incident. If the investigation warrants, there will be immediate and appropriate consequences.”

“In addition, our Athletic Director has reached out to the opposing team’s coaching staff and players and is in the process of setting up a meeting to discuss the alleged incident. We are confident that this meeting will be beneficial and productive.”

“Beyond this, we are very disturbed that this type of language and behavior still exists in today’s society. These behaviors, whether exhibited by adults or children, are without any foundation and strike against the District’s main mission; to help children excel in life.”

“As a society, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard and be better than expressing hate. Acceptance of differences today is more necessary than it ever has been. Marlboro denounces hate, supports diversity and loves its children. We expect our community, our staff and our students to do the same.”