Why did chant the name of Scott Allen?

People were at the rally for a variety of reasons. From the notice I received, this is what got me there:

”A Rally of Support for Roseville Area High School - and all high schools …The community is left frustrated and bewildered, speculation is futile, gossip is toxic … Our community is hurting and needs to start healing ... Our administrators, teachers, coaches, and school staff support us daily. It is now time for us to support them.”

While rally speakers expressed concern that the environment for coaches has become very negative, the primary emphasis was to energize attendees to focus on the positive and to do whatever possible – day to day, small to big – to demonstrate and communicate support for the many adults in our kids’ lives who contribute to their well being. One speaker reminded us to always remember that there are multiple sides to any story.

Given the lack of information regarding the results of the investigation, I do not know whether or not this particular coach did any bullying. Here is what I do know:

1.My children have benefitted greatly from excellent coaches. These coaches have done more than teach them how to play sports. They have been great role models and can’t be thanked enough for all the good they do.
2.Sometimes adults, including coaches, behave badly – even if they also do good things.
3.It must be safe for people to bring forward good faith bullying concerns. Fear of retaliation allows some bullying to continue.

4. A fair process should exist for investigating reported concerns in a respectful, timely, and thorough manner. Unless proven otherwise, the accused should be assumed innocent. Similarly, it should be assumed that accusers raise concerns in good faith.
5.I am saddened by the personal attacks that have occurred in past Patch comments related to concerns that were raised. They do not contribute anything positive to an already difficult situation.
6.It seems like the investigation into bullying charges must have been very near its end. I do not understand why a coach would resign instead of letting the process conclude. The release of findings from the investigation might have put an end to many of the rumors regarding both the accusers and the accused.

The community needs to heal. Coaches should not be afraid that their every word and action will be under a microscope, and students and their families should not be afraid that they will be retaliated against for raising good faith concerns regarding bullying.
As we move forward, every one of us has the opportunity to provide the kind of leadership that will help our community heal, focus on the well-being of our kids, and be prepared to deal with difficult situations in the future.

Thanks to those who spoke so positively at the rally last night and thanks to those who are courageous enough to bring forward bullying concerns despite the possibility that their motives may be questioned and they may be retaliated against.