Background: Reedsburg High School and Its Football Program
Reedsburg Football Team Amish: Reedsburg Area High School (RAHS) is a public high school located in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, serving grades 9-12. The school’s athletic teams, known as the Beavers, compete in the Badger Conference. Over the years, the Reedsburg football program has been a standard part of the school’s identity, with students, coaches, and the community rallying behind Friday night games.
While the school and its football program usually function like those in many Midwestern communities, in 2024 an unexpected and serious incident thrust the team into the spotlight—not for on-field performance, but for alleged harassment of the local Amish community.
The Incident: Alleged Harassment of Amish Community by Football Players
In August 2024, nine juveniles in the Reedsburg area were cited by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department for disorderly conduct, in connection with a series of incidents involving harassment of the Amish community. Local reports indicate that some of these juveniles were members of the Reedsburg varsity football team.
The specifics of the behavior are concerning. According to reports:
- Vandalism of Amish buildings, including schoolhouses and barns.
- Use of firecrackers, smoke bombs, and shining lights on Amish homes during nighttime hours.
- Knocking on windows or doors, shining lights onto houses, and disturbing properties when residents were asleep or indoors.
- Reports that some perpetrators believed the Amish community “did not have cameras” and were thus “easy targets.”
These acts reportedly took place over multiple nights (August 9, 10, 11) and involved coordination among the youth.
Though the Amish community is known for its emphasis on forgiveness and non-retaliation, the local community reaction was strong. Some Amish property owners declined to press formal legal charges, aligned with their tradition of letting go rather than pursuing legal vengeance.
School Response and Game Cancellations
As the investigation unfolded, the Reedsburg Area School District and high school officials were forced to respond. On August 26, 2024, it was announced that the first two varsity football games—scheduled for August 23 and August 30—would be canceled.
In the school’s statement, Principal Katie Mathews expressed disappointment and acknowledged that many student athletes would miss out on their season, especially seniors. Yet she reinforced that the district could not compromise its integrity and must respond to the serious nature of the investigation.
District officials cited confidentiality concerns and declined to release many details about disciplinary actions or how many football players were implicated. The district emphasized that not all students in the football program were involved in the incidents, and that they were evaluating how to proceed.
Local media also reported that Reedsburg’s overall record in recent years had been weak: for example, in the prior season the team was 1-8 overall and 0-7 in conference play.
Legal, Ethical, and Social Implications
Legal Consequences & Juvenile Law
Because the suspects involved are minors, the matter is handled under juvenile law, limiting public disclosure and balancing accountability with rehabilitation. Citing juveniles for disorderly conduct is a relatively low-level offense, but when tied to harassment of a religious group, the case becomes more serious in community perception.
Prosecutors and law enforcement must assess whether the incidents constitute hate crimes or violations of civil rights laws. In many jurisdictions, acts targeting a religious group or minority may carry enhanced penalties. Reports suggest that local and county authorities considered the possibility of hate crime prosecution, though no public statements confirm such charges.
Ethical Accountability for Student Athletes
Student athletes are often held to higher standards of conduct, as they represent their school and community. When team members are implicated in moral transgressions, it raises questions about character development, coaching oversight, and disciplinary standards.
The school district’s decision to cancel games suggests that they viewed the allegations as sufficiently serious to warrant suspending normal operations. This action sends a signal that misconduct—even off the field—can have profound consequences.
Community Relations & Racial/Religious Sensitivity
The Amish are a religious minority in many parts of Wisconsin, maintaining insular communities with distinct customs. Harassment of an Amish community may be perceived not just as vandalism, but as an attack on religious or cultural identity. The incident threatens to strain local relations, especially in rural areas where Amish and non-Amish communities often coexist in proximity.
The fact that some victims declined to press charges reflects the Amish tradition of forgiveness. But that does not erase the broader social harm, including feelings of vulnerability, disrespect, and distrust toward local youth. A community dinner and fundraising events have been organized in Reedsburg to support the Amish and foster reconciliation.
Repercussions for the Football Team & Future Season Outlook
Impact on Team Morale and Participation
Canceling two games at the start of the season is disruptive. For seniors, it may shorten their final year of football. The uncertainty, negative press, and internal tension can affect morale, practice attendance, and team cohesion.
Given the allegations, some players may face disciplinary suspension or removal from the team. The district has reserved the right to take further action depending on investigation outcomes.
Public Image & Recruitment
The controversy puts Reedsburg’s football program under scrutiny. Public perception may influence community support, fundraising, and even athlete recruitment (though high school recruitment is limited compared to college). Parents and students might hesitate to associate with a program perceived as morally compromised.
The administration and coaching staff will have to rebuild trust with local communities, including the Amish, through transparent discipline, restorative actions, and outreach.
League and Conference Standing
Reedsburg competes in the Badger Conference (for athletics) and had recently moved football to the Mississippi Valley Conference under a football-only alignment. The disruption could affect their conference record, scheduling, and standing. If further games are forfeited or canceled, it could impact playoff eligibility and competitive balance.
Lessons Learned & Recommendations for Moving Forward
Strong Codes of Conduct and Education
Schools should adopt robust athlete conduct policies that specifically extend to off-field behavior, especially regarding respect, diversity, and community standards. Prior training or workshops on religious/cultural sensitivity could mitigate future incidents.
Swift, Transparent Investigation
While student privacy must be respected, schools should communicate clearly with stakeholders (students, parents, and community) regarding the process, actions being taken, and principles of accountability. Silence breeds rumor and mistrust.
Restorative Justice and Community Repair
Given the Amish tradition of forgiveness, a restorative justice approach—where perpetrators meet with Amish community members, offer apologies, perform reparative work or service—could help mend social wounds. Organizing events like the community dinner is a good start.
Monitoring and Mentorship
Coaches and school leaders should monitor student attitudes, look out for behavioral red flags, and foster mentorship emphasizing respect and empathy. Team leadership (captains, seniors) should be held to high standards as role models.
Policy Review with Legal Counsel
The school district must review its policies in consultation with legal counsel, especially regarding harassment, bias incidents, and juvenile discipline. Ensuring policies align with state laws and civil rights protections is essential.
Conclusion
The 2024 incident involving the Reedsburg High School football team and the Amish community is a sobering reminder that students in athletics carry responsibilities beyond the game. When allegations of harassment, vandalism, and religious insensitivity surface, the fallout extends into legal, ethical, and social realms. The school district’s decision to cancel game weeks signaled the seriousness of the situation, but the path forward demands a balanced combination of accountability, restorative action, and community rebuilding.
High schools everywhere can learn from this: character matters as much off the field as on it. When students, coaches, and administrators prioritize empathy, respect, and integrity, the entire school culture strengthens. For Reedsburg’s team and its community, the coming weeks and months are pivotal. How they respond will define not just a season, but the legacy of their program.
