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New Jersey’s anti-bullying policies under scrutiny in wake of hazing arrests

People hold candles as they gather for an anti-bullying rally Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Sayreville, N.J.
People hold candles as they gather for an anti-bullying rally Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Sayreville, N.J. AP Photo/Mel Evans

SAYREVILLE, N.J. – As a New Jersey town reels from the arrests of seven high school football players on charges they sexually assaulted younger teammates, attention is focused on whether the state’s anti-bullying laws adequately address team sports.

Advocates say the state is among the leaders nationwide in anti-bullying legislation. But those statutes don’t specifically address sports teams.

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READ MORE: 7 students charged in New Jersey high school football hazing

The state’s high school sports governing body leaves the matter up to individual schools. But the 17-page anti-bullying policy for Sayreville War Memorial High School doesn’t mention the words “athletics” “sports” or “coaches.”

It isn’t known whether coaches at Sayreville knew about the alleged abuse or suspected it was going on.

Sayreville’s superintendent and school board president didn’t return messages for comment Monday.

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