To the editor:

In response to the story about the high school hazing, back in spring of 1997 my stepson was kidnapped by LHS seniors. His arms, legs, and body were duct-taped together. He could not walk and could barely move and he was also duct-taped around his neck, and over his mouth and nose making it difficult to breath. He was then left in an alley here in Lawrence and was aided by someone who lived nearby. (At the same time a girl from LHS was duct-taped to a tree in the same fashion.)

Anyone who has had duct tape stuck to them knows the pain suffered and the welts caused on the skin when it is removed. This incident was reported to the police and the school district. Nothing was ever done to the seniors who did this. No charges pressed, no action taken. “It was a harmless prank” is what we heard from the city prosecutor and the school officials.

Maybe someone can explain to his mother and me what has changed? Why is it so bad this year to duct-tape a car? Someone’s parents must be important people here in Lawrence and not just average citizens.

Sam and Robin Hunsaker,

Lawrence