The Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School has hired a Pittsburgh law firm to conduct an independent investigation into allegations of hazing and harassment at the school following a recent fighting incident that resulted in the expulsion of at least one Karns City High School senior.

On April 8 at the vo-tech in Butler Township, a number of students were involved in an altercation in the automotive technology program's changing room.

Regina Hiler, executive director of the vo-tech, said the school's joint operating committee and everyone associated with the school was disappointed to learn about the conduct that occurred that day.

“Upon learning of the incident, the school conducted an immediate investigation, which resulted in discipline referrals to the students' respective home school districts and a report to the Butler Township police.

“After consultation with the school's solicitor, Tom Breth, and the superintendents, the JOC authorized the hiring of attorney Laura Gutnick, of the law firm Strassburger McKenna Gutnick and Gefsky, to conduct an independent investigation into allegations of alleged hazing, harassment and other forms of prohibited conduct at the school. If additional evidence of misconduct is discovered, the school will take immediate and decisive corrective action. Pending completion of the independent investigation, I anticipate that there will be no further public comment regarding the matter,” Hiler said in a statement.

The Karns City School Board held expulsion hearings for more than one student. At least one was expelled and is not being allowed to participate in commencement or the prom.

School district students protested the disciplinary action by staging a walkout Thursday, but Superintendent Eric Ritzert said students should reserve judgment until they know what happened at the vo-tech.

He said the incident was not a fight between two students.

“This is one person who was totally defenseless and other people performing activities that were very inappropriate and disturbing,” Ritzert said Thursday.

Township police are investigating the incident.