The actions of the few do not generally represent the sentiments of the majority. Just how the majority reacts to the actions of the few, however most certainly does.

In Deer Park, the actions of a handful of junior varsity basketball players charged with physically assaulting another student in a misguided hazing incident does not represent what the Deer Park School District and the Deer Park community is all about. Those actions were in abject conflict with the school’s official policies, and well beyond the pale of the community’s expectations of its young people.

That was made abundantly clear at the Deer Park School Board meeting last week, at which time the school board took the opportunity to outline its decisive action upon hearing of the incident, and the community responded with resounding support. Both are to be commended for their response to this alleged incident. Deer Park is better than the actions of a handful of students who acted in opposition to what they have been taught and showed that in the way it responded. We would hope that the students involved in this incident take notice and that they learn from this hard but important lesson. The Beacon invites readers to present their views, ideas and issues. Please submit letters to the editor to us at PO Box 670, Babylon, NY 11702.